Nick Daicos, Collingwood’s standout player and a leading contender for the Brownlow Medal, has faced criticism for demanding possession in less advantageous positions. This issue highlights a broader concern about the Magpies’ heavy reliance on their star player.
Footage aired on Fox Footy’s On the Couch showed Daicos during Collingwood’s recent 27-point loss to Brisbane, where he was seen running towards the boundary line with his opponent close by, asking for the ball from his brother. When he did not receive it, Daicos openly displayed his frustration. Despite this, he managed to secure a team-high 29 disposals and nine score involvements in the game.
Concerns Over Playing Habits
Four-time Hawthorn premiership player Jordan Lewis expressed concern over what he described as a poor “habit” developing in Daicos’ game. Speaking on On the Couch, Lewis noted, “You’re starting to see this maybe creep into his (Daicos’) game a little bit, where you’re calling for the ball in areas where you might not be as dangerous.”
Lewis further explained, “I think anyone who realizes when Josh Daicos gets the ball, he can be OK, but it’s probably (Nick’s) after attitude — ‘why didn’t you give it to me?’ So, when you see that in a player … I could’ve shown 10 (examples). It’s a habit. (There’s) a balance between wanting the ball and wanting the ball in the wrong spots.”
Statistical Overreliance
Over the past six rounds, Daicos has been involved in 43 percent of Collingwood’s scores, the highest in the league. This statistic underscores the team’s reliance on him. However, Lewis argues that while this figure is impressive, it also indicates a potential imbalance.
“There’s got to be a balance in it,” Lewis stated. “So, 43 percent of (scores), the ball goes through Nick — that’s obviously a big tick. But you can’t be calling for the ball, and you can’t be expected to give the ball to a player, no matter how dangerous they are, when they’re not in a dangerous position.”
Triple Richmond premiership star Jack Riewoldt described the 43 percent involvement figure as “unhealthy,” prompting further discussion on whether this pattern is a result of Daicos being heavily tagged by opponents.
Potential Solutions and Team Dynamics
Lewis suggested that Daicos might need more support from his teammates, particularly in terms of distributing the ball from the midfield. “I think he’s been really good in terms of mixing up his positions. He’s the Brownlow Medal favorite for a reason … he may need some help in that area,” Lewis remarked.
He also mentioned the potential for other players, such as Dan Houston, to step up in roles that could alleviate some of the pressure on Daicos. Houston’s performance against the Lions, where he recorded just 11 disposals for 217 meters gained and four clangers, was noted as an area for improvement.
Looking Ahead
As Collingwood navigates the remainder of the season, the team will need to address the balance of their play to ensure that they are not overly dependent on Daicos. Finding ways to diversify their strategy and distribute responsibilities more evenly could be crucial for their success.
With the AFL season progressing, all eyes will be on how Collingwood adjusts its tactics and whether Daicos can continue to shine without the burden of carrying the team single-handedly.
