Nick Daicos set for another three Brownlow Medal votes after a dominant performance against Richmond

After what Nick Daicos produced at the MCG against the Tigers on Sunday, by round 20 on Brownlow Medal night, the count might be over. Here’s how another masterclass unfolded.

Nick Daicos wearing the Brownlow Medal around his neck is a step closer to reality.

The Collingwood superstar was at his brilliant best as a third quarter Magpies surge set up a 36-point win over Richmond on Sunday afternoon.

Daicos is likely to have earned another three votes from the umpires as he finished with 42 disposals and an equal career-high three goals against the inexperienced Tigers.

He was a class above anyone else on the field and the signs were ominous from the opening minutes when the realisation set in there was no direct tag from Richmond coach Adem Yze.

Nick Daicos kicks his third against the Tigers

“I put a bit of grippo on and the ball didn’t leave my hand after that,” Daicos told Fox Footy post-match when asked about his cleanliness in the wet conditions.

His third goal was the pick of the lot as Daicos ran towards his boundary and kicked truly on his left foot.

It was the third time in his 89-game career he’s had more than 30 touches and kicked three goals.

Daicos celebrates with the Collingwood faithful. Picture: Michael Willson/AFL Photos

A CONTROVERSIAL CALL

Collingwood fans were furious when a free kick was awarded against Harry Perryman in the second term after a huge fly from Steely Green. As Perryman stood his ground looking to protect space, Green leapt onto the Pies defender and dropped what would have been a brilliant mark. The umpire awarded Green a free for a block, a decision which was met with a chorus of boos from the black and white army. Perryman might have been fortunate to have not given away a 50m penalty after a half-hearted point to the scoreboard where he could be heard saying “look” in discussions with the umpire.

BOUNDARY BRILLIANCE

In wet conditions during the first quarter, Brody Mihocek produced a moment of magic to kick one of the more impressive goals of the season. After a one-two with Patrick Lipinski as Tigers opponents swarmed near the boundary, off one step, the clever Pie kicked a low piercing ball through for a goal. Recalled Richmond forward Green produced his only brilliant goal to start the second half when his right foot drop punt sailed through from the boundary line as a challenger to Mihocek for goal of the day.

Nathan Broad spoils Magpie Jamie Elliott. Picture: Daniel Pockett/Getty Images

SORE SULLIVAN

Lachie Sullivan who is one of several Magpies fighting for their place in the side was substituted out of the game with a knee injury in the third quarter. It’s a blow for the 27-year-old who had played the last six games. The Pies also made a late change before the game with a sore Scott Pendlebury rested with Oleg Markov called into the side. Richmond had its own woes when Tim Taranto withdrew with calf tightness around 20 minutes before the game.

Scoreboard

RICHMOND 2.1 4.4 7.5 8.9 (57)

COLLINGWOOD 3.1 7.6 12.10 13.15 (93)

BEST

Tigers: Vlastuin, Hopper, Broad, Sonsie, Short

Pies: N.Daicos, Cameron, J. Daicos, Mitchell, Maynard, Membrey

GOALS

Tigers: Green 2, Hotton 2, Balta, Faull, Sims, Trezise

Pies: N. Daicos 3, Hoskin-Elliott 2, Membrey 2, Mihocek 2, Elliott, Houston, McStay, Schultz

INJURIES: Tigers: Nil. Pies: Sullivan (knee)

PLAYER OF THE YEAR

BRAYDEN MAY’S VOTES

3 N. Daicos (Coll)

2 Vlastuin (Rich)

1 J. Daicos (Coll)