THESE IS THE BEST NEWS WE COULD HOPE FOR: Collingwood football club are overjoyed as head coach Craig McRae makes announcements of making star defender Nick Daicos the new..

In a move that has sent waves of jubilation through the Collingwood Football Club and its legions of supporters across the country, Head Coach Craig McRae has announced that rising superstar and fan-favourite **Nick Daicos** will be taking on the mantle as the **new captain** of the club, effective immediately.

The announcement came during a packed press conference held at the AIA Centre on Friday morning, where McRae, flanked by club president Jeff Browne and outgoing skipper Darcy Moore, declared that the future of the club would now be “led by one of the most inspiring young leaders we’ve ever seen.”

“This is the best news we could hope for,” McRae said, smiling broadly as he addressed the media. “Nick isn’t just a brilliant footballer—he’s a natural-born leader. He leads with class, he leads by example, and he inspires every single person who walks through our doors at Collingwood.”

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### **The Daicos Dynasty Continues**

Nick Daicos, the son of club legend Peter Daicos and younger brother to teammate Josh Daicos, has been nothing short of exceptional since his debut in 2022. With a cool head under pressure, elite skills by foot, and an unmatched football IQ, the 22-year-old has quickly cemented his place as one of the AFL’s brightest stars.

Despite his youth, Nick’s impact both on and off the field has been monumental. His professionalism, maturity, and calm demeanour have already earned him a place in the leadership group and the respect of veterans and rookies alike.

“Being a captain at Collingwood isn’t just about being the best player,” McRae continued. “It’s about understanding the legacy of this club, carrying the culture, and lifting others around you. Nick does all of that and more.”

When asked about the timing of the decision, McRae revealed that conversations about Nick’s leadership potential had been ongoing for several months, but the final decision was made earlier this week after a unanimous vote by the club’s leadership group and coaching staff.

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### **Daicos Responds With Humility**

Taking the podium shortly after the announcement, a visibly emotional Nick Daicos addressed the media and club faithful with the humility and poise that have come to define him.

“I’m absolutely honoured and humbled to be named captain of this great football club,” he began. “Growing up, wearing the black and white was always a dream. To now lead the club my dad played for, and to do it with my brother by my side—it’s incredibly special.”

“I’ve learned so much from Darcy \[Moore] and the leaders before him. I know I have big shoes to fill, but I’m ready for the challenge. I love this club with everything I’ve got, and I’ll give my all to help us succeed.”

Nick also gave thanks to his family, especially his father Peter, who famously played 250 games for the Magpies and remains one of the most iconic figures in club history.

“Dad’s been my biggest inspiration. To follow in his footsteps is surreal. I know he’ll be my toughest critic, but also my biggest supporter,” Nick said, smiling.

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### **Darcy Moore Steps Down with Grace**

Current captain Darcy Moore, who has led the club since 2023, announced earlier in the week that he would be stepping down to focus on his on-field role and personal well-being following ongoing hamstring issues that have plagued his 2025 season.

“It’s time for the next generation to step up,” Moore said. “Nick is the future of this club. He’s everything you want in a leader—composed, driven, and team-first. I couldn’t be prouder to hand him the baton.”

Moore, who played a pivotal role in Collingwood’s 2023 Premiership triumph, received a standing ovation from players and coaching staff as he formally stepped down at the announcement.

“He’ll always be a leader here,” McRae said of Moore. “Darcy’s influence will remain strong—he’s a Collingwood person through and through.”

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### **The Players React: “We’d Follow Him Anywhere”**

Within minutes of the announcement, social media erupted with messages of support from current and former players, club legends, and fans.

Veteran midfielder Steele Sidebottom posted: *“Couldn’t think of anyone better. Nick’s the heart and soul of this team already. Excited for the future.”*

Josh Daicos, who has played alongside his younger brother since 2022, shared a photo of the two as kids wearing Collingwood guernseys with the caption: *“From the backyard to the big time. So proud of you, Skip.”*

In the locker room, the mood was jubilant. “Nick’s already a leader in our eyes,” said key forward Brody Mihocek. “He sets the tone every week. We’d follow him anywhere.”

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### **Building for the Future**

This captaincy change marks a significant step in what has already been a transformative period for the Pies. After winning the 2023 AFL Premiership and narrowly missing out on a Grand Final berth in 2024, Collingwood has invested heavily in youth development and culture building under McRae’s leadership.

“Nick as captain isn’t just symbolic,” said assistant coach Scott Pendlebury, who himself captained the club for nearly a decade. “It’s a strategic move. He’s got a deep understanding of the modern game, and his work ethic is second to none.”

With stars like Nick Daicos, Josh Daicos, Jack Ginnivan, and young midfield bull Finlay Macrae, the club appears poised for another Premiership window in the coming years.

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### **A Club United**

For Collingwood fans, this moment marks not just a passing of the torch but a reaffirmation of identity. A club built on grit, pride, and community has found its next great leader—one born into the black and white and raised with the weight of expectation that now seems more like fuel than burden.

“Nick represents everything that’s good about this club,” said lifelong supporter Anne Jenkins, draped in a Daicos #35 scarf outside the AIA Centre. “He’s humble, hard-working, and he bleeds Collingwood. This is the best news we could hope for.”

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### **Looking Ahead**

Nick’s first game as captain is expected to be Round 17’s blockbuster clash against Carlton at the MCG—a match sure to draw a crowd in excess of 90,000 and a televised audience of millions.

Asked how he’ll handle the pressure of captaining the league’s most scrutinised team, Nick smiled and said, “The pressure is a privilege. It means people care. I wouldn’t want it any other way.”

With the club now fully behind its new captain, and the future looking brighter than ever, Magpie fans have every reason to be optimistic.