AFL round 6 Brisbane Lions v Collingwood deep dive: Daicos conundrum makes Pies premiership favourites

When the Lions tried to put the clamps on Nick Daicos, the Pies ran riot. And that’s exactly why Collingwood should be considered the premiership favourites right now, writes Scott Gullan.

Nick Daicos summed up why Collingwood should be considered the premiership favourite right now.

After a dominant first half which again reminded everyone why he is going to win a Brownlow Medal very very soon, the Lions decided to try to stop the rot by sending Jarrod Berry to the Pies superstar.

Berry has a history of being able to shut down gun opposition players and to his credit Daicos Jnr only had seven disposals for the term.

But. And it’s a big but.

While the Lions were focusing on him, that allowed the rest of his teammates to do what they pleased in the third quarter and that amounted to 4.5 goals to 1.1. Game over.

“We welcome it (the tag) as it releases other players,” Daicos said afterwards. “It ties them in knots and we’re happy for it.”

A team ethos from the team’s best player. That is music to the ears of coaches and there would be plenty wishing their elite types were willing to say those words.

Nick Daicos does say it because he knows there is another premiership team around him.

Jarrod Berry’s tag on Nick Daicos didn’t stop the Pies. Picture: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images

The Lions had been undefeated this year off the back of their third-quarter bursts which had been the cornerstone of their victories but against a disciplined Magpies outfit they didn’t give a yelp.

A clear plan to deny Brisbane going through the corridor caused the home side to lose their marbles and the stat which told the story was just 37 inside 50s which was the lowest the Lions had produced in years (they averaged 58 this year).

So how can the oldest team in the competition be the best?

JUST GIVE IT TO HIM NOW

We know a lot can happen in four-and-a-half months but seriously the reason Collingwood can win their second flag in three seasons is because of Nick Daicos.

So if the world order remains, he should be winning the Brownlow Medal.

While Patrick Cripps was a worthy Brownlow Medallist, there were plenty who were convinced Daicos was the best player in the competition last year.

This year he seems in revenge mode and under the bright lights of Easter Thursday night football he showed why he is almost unstoppable.

His quick hands and breakaway speed from contests – which usually involves a one-two with a teammate – is ridiculous and ensures Collingwood starts on the front foot at all times.

Nick Daicos kicks a third-term goal

In the first half against the Lions, Nick Daicos had 21 disposals and his older brother Josh had 15. It was insane.

But what a bouncy and untouchable N.Daicos does for the Pies is he hides their age. His young quick legs and hands often means his older teammates don’t get exposed.

By the time the Lions were put out of their misery at the final siren – they kicked just seven goals for the night – N Daicos had 38 possessions, eight clearances, one goal and three Brownlow Medal votes.

J Daicos had 30 disposals and one goal to ensure the former best and fairest winner shouldn’t be forgotten in his brother’s jet stream.

WHY NOT AGAIN

The game of AFL is supposed to evolve every year and we spend countless hours on radio and TV trying to find how everything is different when in reality the recipe for success doesn’t alter too much.

Collingwood won the 2023 premiership off being this amazing team in close games and knowing exactly what to do at the right time.

Experience breeds that so if their band of 30-somethings are fit, healthy and not lost that step which history says they’re supposed to, then why can’t they do it again?

Does Scott Pendlebury or Steele Sidebottom look like they’ve lost anything? Yes we’re still in April and it’s a marathon not a sprint but these are smart professional footballers who know how to look after themselves.

The AFL’s oldest side has won five games on the trot. Picture: Russell Freeman/AFL Photos via Getty Images

There are some important additions to the 2023 team. Dan McStay cruelly missed the flag after crossing from Brisbane but showed with his three goals against his old team what a difference he can make to this Collingwood outfit.

While Brody Mihocek has been gallant and gutsy for years, the reality is he needs more help than ever which is what McStay and ex-Saint Tim Membrey, who was rested from Thursday night, bring to the table.

With captain Darcy Moore clearly waking up from his 12-month fog and returning to his ‘23 form the defensive side is rock solid while in the ruck Darcy Cameron seems to be inching his way into the very top of the big man discussion around the competition.

And experience brings with it knowledge. The stats boffins will tell you Collingwood are the best team without the football which means they block space, cut off entry points and basically just annoy the living daylights out of their opposition which totally disrupts their game plan.

The Magpies were fierce in the second half. Picture: Russell Freeman/AFL Photos via Getty Images

Against the Lions the Pies had 51 inside 50s to 37, won clearances 36-26 and centre clearances 15-9. This was all against a team which has thrived in all those categories off the back of Lachie Neale, Hugh McCluggage and the Ashcroft brothers.

But not against the smarts of Dad’s Army.

“It looks like the team that won the premiership a couple of seasons ago,” was Fox Footy’s expert Leigh Montagna’s take.

It’s hard not to agree at 5-1 but the next month will be telling. Essendon on Anzac Day is always closer than people predict followed by Geelong, Fremantle (in Perth) and Adelaide.

The last three are potential finals teams this year. If the Pies are 9-1 after 10 rounds, then look out. N Daicos will have the Brownlow almost around his neck and Pies fans will rightly start to ask questions about finals ticket ballots.

Originally published as AFL round 6 Brisbane Lions v Collingwood deep dive: Daicos conundrum makes Pies premiership favourites