Three Brownlow Medallists, three premiership players: Adam Goodes, Chris Judd and Jimmy Bartel should spend most of their time in the middle for the Vics, complemented by an array of stars who do far more than enough for their respective clubs.
But this week the sole focus is on beating the Dream Team – no simple task.
Goodes, though South Australian by birth, has strong sentiments for the Big V and is looking forward to his State of Origin debut.
"I was born in South Australia and I see myself as a very proud Nunga boy," he said on Friday. "I didn't play football in South Australia, I played soccer when I was growing up.
"I played for Vic Country under-15s, 16s and 18s and have only ever worn the Vic Country jumper, so I'm very proud to be wearing the Big V this weekend.
"I am South Australian and that's where I was born and my clan name is Nunga – I'm Aboriginal and I don't see myself as a Koori, which are Victorian people, so I'm just happy playing for the Big V this weekend."
Bartel, one of seven Cats pushing for a spot in the game, is also embracing the State of Origin concept after its absence since 1999.
However, the 24-year-old would like to see it trialled at another time of the year.
"It's a great idea," he said. "It's just more management of time and structure and how it's set up, in my opinion.
"You see past players and they've worn the Big V six or 10 times and it'd be great to aim for it and achieve, but it's more a timing issue and where it can fit into the football calendar."
And Judd – deemed the game's best midfielder, even player – is thinking a week without a tag just might be a possibility.
Such are the privileges when the state's best players come together.
"It'd be nice," he said. "It'll be good to run around and I might put my hand up for a run-with role and I'll see how that goes.
"It's something probably all of the players are looking forward to – getting out there and playing footy and enjoying it.
"Hopefully we'll put on a good spectacle for the fans."
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