AFL fans praise Nick Daicos after young Collingwood gun dominated Essendon to win the ANZAC Day medal at the MCG: ‘Just give him the Brownlow now’
Nick Daicos has been hailed as a future Hall of Famer after the 20-year-old star stripped Essendon of victory in a pulsating Anzac Day clash at the MCG.
Trailing by 28 points in three-quarter time, the Magpies stormed home 7.2 to 0.3 in the final term to steal a classic, 13.12 (90) to 11.11 (77).
And that was largely helped by Daicos’ contributions. He ended up with 40 possessions, but it was his two crucial goals in the last quarter that really earned him his first Anzac medal.
The 20-year-old, in his sophomore season, has been prolific in almost every game he has played this year to be comfortably favorite for the Brownlow medal.
“You might as well give him the Brownlow now,” one fan said on Twitter. Another added: “It won’t be the last medal he wins. Great football player.’
A third fan said, “Enter him into the Hall of Fame now!” What a jet!’ while one fan believes the youngster will fight Bulldogs star Marcus Bontempelli for the big prize by the end of the season.
Even the Essendon faithful purred over Daicos’ performance. “Unmistakable star, wish it came in different colors.”
“Why Do People Pack Daicos?” asked another fan. Is it just sad Twitter folks. I don’t follow the Pies, but criticizing Daicos is ridiculous.”
After a tight first half, Essendon turned a two-point halftime deficit into a 28-point lead by the final substitution after going up from 6.3 to 1.3 in the third quarter.
But exciting comebacks have been a trademark of Collingwood since Craig McRae took over as coach ahead of the 2022 season.
The Magpies’ momentum was undeniable for Essendon, who looked on track for an unlikely 5-1 start to the season under new coach Brad Scott.
Nathan Kreuger started the first major of the last term to bring Collingwood within four goals before Ash Johnson really got the Magpies going.
The mercurial striker took possession outside 50 in a tight corner, turned on his right boot and kicked a monster goal.
It was heartbreak for Essendon again, after Jamie Elliott nailed an extraordinary goal after the siren to seal a Collingwood victory in the previous meeting between the two traditional rivals last year.
Sam Draper had a chance to put the Bombers back on top with six minutes remaining, but the Essendon ruckman missed an easy set shot.
Veteran Steele Sidebottom, who was outstanding with 31 disposals, made Draper pay on the other side by sealing Collingwood’s victory with a goal on the run.
Bombers midfielder Jye Caldwell is likely to be investigated by the match judge for attacking Nick Daicos’ stomach in the third quarter.
Defenseman Jayden Laverde was taken out after a shoulder injury in the third quarter and was replaced by Essendon teammate Ben Hobbs.