AdminNick Daicos has propelled Collingwood back onto the winning path and reclaimed the top position on the ladder following a victory over a resilient Tigers team.
Daicos recorded 42 disposals and matched his career-high with three goals, likely earning himself another three Brownlow votes as the Magpies overpowered Richmond with a score of 13.15 (93) to 8.9 (57) at the MCG on Sunday afternoon.
This win ended a two-game losing streak for the 15-4 Pies, restoring their top position on the ladder after Adelaide briefly seized the lead following a significant Showdown win.
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Lachie Sullivan (knee) was substituted out of Sunday’s match, raising injury concerns for the Pies. Both Collingwood and Richmond implemented last-minute changes, with Scott Pendlebury (managed) and Tim Taranto (calf) unavailable for the contest.
This comes in anticipation of Craig McRae’s team facing Brisbane next weekend, a matchup that could significantly impact the upper echelon of the ladder.
Collingwood entered the game looking to bounce back from two consecutive losses by narrow margins—with their reputation as close-game contenders being briefly challenged. However, their 15th victory of the season on Sunday was anything but close.
Nick Daicos exhibited his exceptional form with 42 touches, three goals, 910 metres gained, and 14 score involvements.
The Pies crucially returned to winning form to recapture the top position on the ladder. Despite the final score implying a comfortable win, Richmond made them work hard early in the damp conditions at the MCG.
In the first quarter, the ball predominantly remained in the Pies’ forward half, with Craig McRae’s team applying significant pressure. They surpassed 200 in pressure factor during the first quarter, maintaining a similar level throughout last Sunday’s nail-biter against Fremantle.
Yet, despite generating 17 inside-50s in the first quarter, they managed to score only three goals as the Tigers held firm.
By the end of the second quarter, the Pies had become more efficient, converting four goals from 11 inside-50s.
Daicos, likely to secure three additional votes in his pursuit of a first Brownlow Medal, carried out notable contributions for the Magpies, wrapping up the first half with 22 disposals, two goals, seven score involvements, and four clearances.
Surprisingly, he attracted minimal tagging from Richmond, even though Jack Ross looked like a potential candidate for a defensive role, having previously marked both Zach Merrett and Harley Reid.
Tigers veteran Kamdyn McIntosh was seen positioned near him during certain center bounces, but overall, he was free to move as he wished.
In the third quarter, Daicos effectively secured another three votes by scoring his third goal of the day — with his left foot, no less.
“This is just fantastic. I mean, by now, we shouldn’t be surprised by Nick Daicos, but not many players in the league can pull that off,” remarked Hawthorn champion Jordan Lewis during the Fox Footy broadcast.
“Reading the ball, getting in front, and look at that — using the non-dominant foot. That’s just exceptional play. ”
Fox Footy commentator Matt Hill noted: “The kick for goal was tricky, yet for the champion, it was as easy as pie — it almost seems unfair, doesn’t it? ”
The majority of the third quarter saw Collingwood in control, as the black and white team dominated territory and cashed in on that advantage with what Fly refers to as ‘scoreboard nourishment,’ netting five goals during that period. The fourth quarter was straightforward.
Collingwood didn’t come through Sunday completely unscathed, as midfielder Lachie Sullivan was substituted out due to a knee injury. Scott Pendlebury (managed) was a late withdrawal before the match.
Next on the agenda for Collingwood as they strive to secure a minor premiership: Brisbane, Hawthorn, and Adelaide.
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Always viewed as the underdogs, Richmond actually arrived in good form despite being in 16th place, and they challenged the top team during the first half.
The Tigers showcased their defensive strength, even as Collingwood continually posed a threat off turnovers and played with high intensity.
They likely left wanting more reward on the scoreboard for their efforts. As the first half progressed, the Pies started to capitalize on turnovers more effectively.
With Ben Miller struggling with an injury late in the first half, it was once again the Nick Vlastuin and Nathan Broad duo stepping up defensively against the Collingwood offense, combining for 18 intercept possessions in the first half.
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