West Coast premiership player Jack Darling's move to North Melbourne is ageing as a win-win for all three parties.
The Eagles let Darling, who had one year to run on his deal, walk to the Kangaroos on a two-year deal for pick 67. Darling has since hit a games-based trigger for a third year.
Viewed at the time as a small return, the Eagles turned Pick 67, which came into 65 after bids to Hamish Davis.
Davis was the victim of Paul Curtis' tackle, which resulted in a three-week ban, suffering a concussion, but has established himself as a promising player under Andrew McQualter, averaging 15 disposals across his first 22 games.
"Hamish is very impressive. When I found out he was 19, I was very shocked because he's a very mature young lad," West Coast leadership group member Brandon Starcevich told Zero Hanger.
"He is one of the hardest-working guys at the club. He's always early and does all the right things to get the most out of himself, especially with the questions he asks to improve.
"The early part of his career has been really impressive on a wing where his athletic ability has stood out, and he's one of the best runners at the club, so he's growing week-to-week."
Jake Waterman emerged as the West Coast's spearhead when playing alongside Darling in 2024 and, after an injury-interrupted 2025, has maintained that status and has thrived on the responsibility this year.
Jobe Shanahan has quickly emerged as a capable and AFL-ready right-hand man for Waterman, while Cooper Duff-Tytler has had some likely moments.
More importantly, it gave him exposure for a team looking to rebound. Darling's presence would have limited the promotion of youth
Despite his highly publicised struggles with converting set shots, no one across the league has had more shots, with Waterman's competitiveness central to the front-half game West Coast has built in recent weeks.
While Darling's career looked finite at the time, he has kicked 43 goals across 34 games at North Melbourne, providing important support for skipper Nick Larkey, and extended his own career.
While Waterman has had support from youngsters, North Melbourne is lacking forward depth behind Larkey, Darling and Cooper Trembath.
He has also provided important tutelage to the young forward line, and with North Melbourne set to be in the finals bracket next year – and potentially around the mark for Wildcard Round this year – his experience will be invaluable.
