Collingwood superstar Nick Daicos has once again pulled a rabbit out of a hat as the club finals chances remain alive after a thrilling one-point win over Brisbane.
Despite a slow start by both the Pies and Daicos in the opening term, the Brownlow medal favourite put his team on his back in the second quarter, kicking two goals from 13 disposals to drag his club back into the contest.
Pies coach Craig McRae admitted in the post-match press conference he just sat back and enjoyed the show.
Defender
Marks
Disposals
Goals
"Wow, I think I'll tell my grandkids I coached Nick Daicos," McRae said.
"That's going to be one of the great stories when I'm older. What a player.
"It's just nice to see someone impose himself on the game.
"We're all on the bench, not laughing, but just going, 'Wow!'. We're all in awe.
"We've got front-row seats to the Nick Show, and he's a remarkable player."
Daicos was then joined by some second-half heroics from recruit Lachie Schultz, who kicked two of the final three majors to help Collingwood steal the victory.
Ruckman Darcy Cameron continued his stellar form against the imposing Oscar McInerney, recording 15 disposals and 30 hit-outs.
Veteran Steele Sidebottom - who is understood to remain at the club in 2025 - kept two-time Brownlow medallist Lachie Neale to a modest effort while John Noble was instrumental in the victory.
The Pies will hope that Sunday's results involving Carlton, Hawthorn and Western Bulldogs go their way, asking for three losses to increase their chances of playing finals.
Collingwood will round out their home and away season against Melbourne on Friday night.
