Since debuting in the first round of the 2022 season, Nick Daicos has taken the AFL landscape by storm, thrilling crowds with his skill and damaging demeanour.
The rapid rise and football IQ of the father-son gun are unquestionable, with the pinpoint passes, the evasive side steps and consistency just some of the attributes that make the Magpies star a potential generational talent.
Nostalgia in football is something that makes the hearts flutter for fans, in particular the rusted-on Magpies fans who remember Peter Daicos thrilling fans in the 80s and 90s in a similar way to his son Nick.
Could Nick do what his father couldn't and win this year's Brownlow Medal, or could the likes of Patrick Cripps and Marcus Bontempelli spoil a remarkable year for Collingwood's young superstar?
What Nick Daicos has done in 70 games of senior football is quite extraordinary, most notably in his 2023 season. A record 28 Brownlow votes - the most for a second-year player - to go with a runner-up finish in the Copeland Trophy, an All-Australian selection, AFLCA best young player and to top it off a premiership medal.
His shot at the Brownlow fell narrowly short, with Daicos missing the last three games of the home and away season due to a leg injury, with Brisbane's Lachie Neale taking out the award with a three-vote buffer over the Magpies maestro.
The achievements of the Magpies superstar are considered by many as one of the best second-year performances in recent memory.
Success is not something that can be achieved alone though, particularly in a team sport like Australian Rules. The achievements made by Daicos in 2023 have been inspired by the connection within the four walls of Collingwood. The ethos of winning together and celebrating each other's achievements has allowed Daicos' performances to be elevated.
The 2024 season for Daicos and Collingwood was a slow one, losing the first three games of the campaign. The team itself looked to be a shell of the team that was so consistent last year, winning 18 games and the flag.
The Pies superstar's first eight weeks of the season were average at best. It took until Round 11 for his influence and accumulation of disposals to rise to the level we have seen since, as he was able to stand up in moments when the team needed him.
Despite the slow start, Daicos finished the season averaging 30.7 disposals per game, recognised as elite amongst the competition's best ball winners. The season just concluded is considered by many as a disappointing one for the Magpies, full of uncharacteristic form slumps and underwhelming performances by key players that saw the premiership defence in tatters.
Daicos' role changed with a move to the midfield, a role where he could impact clearances and push the ball forward when things got stale. The change in role was due heavily to the long injury list that plagued the Magpies for the majority of the season, with a makeshift forward constructed after the absence of key midfielders and major goalkickers.
The 21-year-old adapted to the role change with ease, becoming a certified midfield game-changer and restoring some creditability to the team that had lost its aura.
With more individual success comes more external hype and scrutiny, as well as nagging tags by opposition players looking to prevent the Daicos' influence. These pressure moments only seemed to spur Daicos as his importance and performances seemed to improve as the year went on, having very few bad games and was able to fill the holes when key players were missing.
Although this has been another consistent year for Daicos, there are a variety of factors that could potentially stop the youngster from claiming this year's Brownlow Medal.
Traditionally the prestigious award is won by a player on a team that has finished the season in the top eight. Collingwood finished the 2024 season with less wins than the year prior, leaving them out of contention for finals.
The other major factor is opposition players such as Patrick Cripps and Marcus Bontempelli who have massive influence on their respective teams' success.
Cripps, the 2022 Medal winner, is sure to be in the running for his second Brownlow after another consistent year, averaging 28 disposals, 17.8 handballs and eight clearances.
Bontempelli, this year's Leigh Mathews Trophy winner, is tipped to poll just as well on the night. A player with courage and leadership that would also make him a worthy winner.
Each year the Brownlow count is a night of reflection and recognition of players who have dazzled that year and have provide entertainment for all football fans, no matter which side you support in your heart.ย
