Collingwood stars Josh and Nick Daicos scatter their grandfather’s ashes at MCG after beating Geelong
Incredible moment Collingwood stars Josh and Nick Daicos scatter their grandfather’s ashes at the MCG after playing with his remains in their boots during the comeback win over Geelong
- Josh and Nick Daicos paid tribute to their grandfather
- Collingwood siblings scattered his ashes on MCG grass
- The touching moment resonated with many footy fans
Collingwood brothers Josh and Nick Daicos warmed the hearts of AFL fans across the country when they scattered their grandfather’s ashes at the MCG just after beating the reigning prime ministers Geelong on Friday.
In highly emotional scenes, Nick, 20, took off his boot, grabbed the ashes and kissed his hand and the rose petals he had hidden in his shoes before touching the famous ground’s turf.
Moments later, his older brother, Josh, 24, followed suit.
“Just watching the Daicos guys… it’s obviously personal,” James Brayshaw said in commentary for Channel 7.
‘[What a] special evening for the Daicos family.’
Collingwood’s Josh Daicos shakes his grandfather’s ashes out of his boot in the middle of the MCG on Friday
In highly emotional scenes, Nick Daicos also took off his boot, grabbed the ashes inside, then kissed his hand before touching the famous ground’s hallowed turf.
The moving scenes continued in the Magpies sheds as Peter Daicos, the siblings’ father – and a big club member himself – hugged the players and reflected on what had been an emotional week for the family.
‘That was for my father. That was for my dad, mate,” Peter said to Seven’s Brian Taylor, touching his heart.
“Tonight’s game was in his honor for us,” Nick added.
Mr. Daicos’ funeral took place on Thursday, with the brothers missing the captain’s run prior to the clash against the Cats so they could attend.
“Unfortunately, we had the passing of our father’s father, so it’s been a really tough week for the family,” said Josh Daicos.
“It’s been really tough for us, but tonight [the win] made it all worth it.”
Nick (second from left) and Josh (third from left) celebrate the Pies’ come-from-behind victory over Premiers Geelong on Friday night
Club legend Peter Daicos – father of Nick and Josh – hugged Collingwood players in emotional post-match dressing room scenes
Turned commentator Jordan Lewis was blown away by the brothers’ ability to play despite the tragic loss.
“To not just process their grandfather’s passing and the emotion that came with it, the funeral yesterday, they would be mentally and physically exhausted,” he said.
“When their mom and dad watch that, they should be absolutely proud of them – not just for the players they are, but for the young men they’ve become,” added magpie legend Nathan Buckley.
The brothers both played excellent games, with Josh amassing 27 possessions and Nick recording 35 disposals as he had a hand on nine of the Pies’ goals.
Dozens of footy fans were impressed by the touching gesture of the Daicos boys.
“Couldn’t love this more if I tried,” one supporter tweeted.
Another said: ‘The best way to pay respect to their grandfather was to play the game of their lives against the Prime Ministers and they did.’
“They made him proud. Some gems there, Pies fans,” another wrote.