Expert says Daicos had best ever debut season

AFL talent ambassador Kevin Sheehan has rated the debut season of Collingwood’s Nick Daicos as the best he has seen.

‘Shifter’ Sheehan has been in the caper for decades and as such has seen hundreds of youngsters come through the junior ranks before immediately impacting at AFL level.

There have been some incredible first-year performances over the journey including Sam Walsh (2019), Joel Selwood (2007), Paul Hasleby (2000), Nathan Buckley (1993) and Chris Grant (1990), but none stand out more than that of Magpie young gun Daicos.

Sheehan was asked by Dwayne Russell if he’s seen as impressive a first year from a player in his time in the game.

“I don’t think I have to be quite honest,” he said on SEN’s Dwayne’s World.

“It was an unbelievable year that’s he produced and off the back of missing half of last year, they stopped in July the boys.

“He dominated every game he played in last year after missing the complete year before which was normally a development year.”

Sheehan said the son of Pies legend Peter and brother of established senior player Josh has been able to keep his game in good order despite the COVID-impacted blocks across both the 2020 and 2021 seasons.

“There’s no doubt with Pete overseeing his program and Josh to train with he’s been able to supplement it,” Sheehan said.

“He was able to train a little bit at Collingwood in the summer months and he’s been part of the NAB AFL Academy so he’s had some other support networks to allow his training.

“But gee, just an unbelievable standard he sets for young players coming in with the way he entertained us this year.

“I’d think that it’s the best [first season] that I have seen in my time.”

Daicos, 19, has averaged a tick under 26 disposals playing a variety of roles, but mainly as a rebounding half-back.

The former Oakleigh Charger has collected 20 or more disposals in 22 of his 24 debut-season appearances.

Daicos has already claimed the AFLPA Best First Year Player award as well as the NAB Rising Star award and is expected to finish high in Collingwood’s best and fairest.

He played in his first preliminary final when the Magpies met the Sydney Swans at the SCG on Saturday evening.

– BY ANDREW SLEVISON/ SEN