They are three of the league's brightest talents, and arguably already in the upper echelon of players in the AFL, but if you had to build a team from scratch, who out of Nick Watson, Josh Treacy or Sam Darcy would you take?
The Wizard, the Banker or the Unicorn.
All three players are in a similar age bracket, with Watson the youngest at 21, followed by Darcy at 22 and Treacy at 23.
Meaning each player would be at this fictional new club for the next ten years at most.
The trio are some of the most watchable players in the league for different reasons.
Treacy for his physicality, contested marking, football nous and leadership qualities.
Watson for his mercurial ability, speed, goal sense and x-factor.
Darcy for his sheer size and capability to pick the ball up with ease off the deck, ability to kick on both feet, bravery and aura.
They are three of the best forwards - and players - in the league, so how on earth do you rank this star trio in terms of who you would take first to a new club?
Each time you think you decide on the correct order, the mind counters that opinion with another fact. "What about Darcy's size, or Treacy's brutishness? But Watson could win you a final in a matter of minutes." It's like trying to split hairs on a flea.
3Sam Darcy - the Unicorn
The player taken third is Darcy, which seems ridiculous given the incredible talent this 208cm giant has.
If he were fit this season, he would arguably have overtaken teammate and captain Marcus Bontempelli as the best player in the league. But that's the issue, for a big key forward, he has already had several injury problems, including rupturing his ACL earlier this season.
Darcy is a generational talent; there is no doubt about that. His 48 goals in 2025 were just a glimpse into what he can bring to the AFL world, and there is not a defender in the league capable of clamping him when he is fit and firing.
The former number two draft pick is a beautiful kicker of the football, and he can do things that not even stars of the game can manage.
But will he ever play a full season clear of injury? There's no way of knowing, and that uncertainty is the reason for his being ranked third.
When Darcy returns in 2027 and beyond, if he can stay on the field and out of injury rehab, he will be the reason the Dogs win their next flag.
