Josh Daicos, son of Collingwood legend Peter, boosts father-son draft hopes

JOSH Daicos, the son of Collingwood champion Peter, has emerged as a father-son draft wildcard after impressing for Oakleigh Chargers.

JOSH DAICOS

JOSH Daicos, the son of Collingwood champion Peter, has emerged as a wildcard father-son draft chance.

Daicos, 17, has impressed in two games with Oakleigh Chargers as an elusive, skilled wingman-small forward. He was last week added to the Vic Metro under-18 squad.

The 178cm Daicos did not play in the TAC Cup last season but has made huge inroads in a short time with Oakleigh.

While comparisons with his “Macedonian Marvel” father are unfair, Daicos has the ability to find space, the same low centre of gravity and precise kicking skills with both feet.

The Magpies also have the son of another 1990 premiership hero under consideration for the draft — Callum Brown, son of Gavin.

Collingwood list manager Derek Hine said there was a long way to go before November’s draft but he had been encouraged by what he had seen.

Josh Daicos, son of Collingwood legend Peter, plays for Oakleigh Chargers. Picture: David Crosling

Daicos kicks eight against Geelong in 1993.

Josh Daicos in action for Oakleigh. Picture: David Crosling

“Both Josh and Callum have trained with us, spending a week with us in pre-season and acquitted themselves well,” Hine said.

“For us it’s a matter of waiting to see how they develop, but there are promising signs.”

If either or both were taken in the draft, they would join current Magpie father-son players Travis Cloke and Darcy Moore.

Daicos was named in Oakleigh’s best in Round 1 of the TAC Cup and was useful on Sunday against Northern Knights.

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Against the Knights he was used mainly on a wing, where he impressed with his run and carry, plus a desire to share the ball.

Daicos, who turns 18 on November 26, is listed as 69kg so has a lot of development in him, as acknowledged by Chargers coach Mick Stinear.

“Josh has such a good footy brain in terms of his decision making and on-field awareness,” he said.

“Whether that’s a gift or has been developed over time, I’m not sure. He’s coming from a bit further behind than some of the others guys, but he has the ability to learn very quickly.

Collingwood legend Peter Daicos watches his son Josh play for Oakleigh. Picture: David Crosling

“We have played him up the ground a bit so he can get his hands on the footy where we can benefit from his ball use. But he has also impressed us up forward due to his ability to read the play and his goal sense.”

Monty Stuart coached Daicos last year in a Yarra Valley Junior Football League representative game.

“He was close to best on ground as a half-forward,” Stuart said.

“He is very skilful, a good mover plus he has some of his old man’s smarts. He was able to step through traffic due to his evasive skills.

“I’m not surprised to see him doing well with Oakleigh. In fact I was surprised he wasn’t there last year, but that obviously enable him to have a full year with his school and club.”

Daicos played club football with Bulleen Templestowe last year and at school for Camberwell Grammar.

His father kicked 549 goals in 250 games between 1979-93, winning two best and fairest awards. He kicked 97 goals in the Pies’ 1990 premiership year.

Other notable Collingwood father-son players have been brothers Heath and Rhyce Shaw (Ray Shaw) and Nick Davis (Craig Davis).