Nick Daicos is continuing to impress in his debut season, earning the praise of Collingwood coach Craig McRae for his performance in the Pies' win over Adelaide on Sunday.
Daicos, who was drafted with pick 4 in the 2021 AFL draft, has barely put a foot wrong in his debut campaign, playing all 17 games for the Pies.
The 19-year-old's Round 18 performance was yet another stellar effort, collecting 40 disposals and three goals in a late shift forward.
โIt just seems to be going to another level,โ McRae said on the young star post-match.
โHeโs had 40 today and kicked three โฆ heโs a first-year player, itโs unbelievable.
โNickโs having an outstanding season and it just seems to be getting better and better every week.
โI havenโt seen (a first year like it) and heโs just doing it in different ways too.โ
McRae also touched on another young star, Jack Ginnivan, who was seemingly not rewarded with a free kick for high contact at several points throughout the match. Ginnivan, who was held to just one goal in the 5-point win, has attracted attention for his ability to draw polarising free kicks, but McRae stuck by his young forward.
โMy message to Jack just after the game is that I just want him to keep attacking the footy hard and what comes of it, whether itโs a high tackle or a holding the ball, keep attacking the ball,โ he said.
McRae didn't comment on whether or not he thought the umpires were officiating the 19-year-old differently in the wake of media commentary on the rising star.
โWe donโt make excuses, we donโt look for blame, umpires make mistakes and get some right and some wrong," McRae said.
โI donโt really want to play the blame game or excuse game."
