Nick Daicos is an Australian rules footballer who plays as a midfielder for the Collingwood Football Club in the Australian Football League (AFL). Born on January 3, 2003, in Victoria, Australia, he comes from one of the most recognisable football families in Australian sport. His father, Peter Daicos, is a Collingwood legend, while his older brother, Josh Daicos, is also an AFL player for the Magpies.
Nick developed into one of Australia’s most highly regarded young footballers before entering the AFL. He was selected by Collingwood with Pick 4 under the father son rule at the 2021 AFL National Draft and made his senior debut in Round 1 of the 2022 season. His combination of ball control, decision making, endurance and attacking ability quickly established him as one of the competition’s most prominent young players.
Within only a few seasons, Daicos had already collected an AFL premiership, multiple All Australian selections, the AFL Rising Star Award, the Leigh Matthews Trophy and other individual honours. His rapid rise has made him a major figure at Collingwood and one of the most closely watched players in Australian football. In September 2026, he added the Brownlow Medal to his growing list of achievements, winning the award with a record 47 votes.
Nick Daicos’ Early Life
Nick Daicos was born on January 3, 2003, in Victoria, Australia, into the family of former Collingwood superstar Peter Daicos. His father’s legendary career at Collingwood meant that football was already deeply embedded in Nick’s childhood. Peter played 250 games for the Magpies and became one of the most celebrated players in the club’s history.
Nick grew up alongside his older brother Josh, who followed their father into professional football after being selected by Collingwood in the 2016 AFL National Draft. Nick spent much of his childhood around football, including training and playing with Josh and his older teammates. According to people who watched his development, he displayed exceptional competitiveness and football intelligence from a young age.
His junior football journey included the Greythorn Falcons and Kew Rovers in the Yarra Junior Football League. He played above his age group and eventually won the league’s Best and Fairest award at Under 15 level. He later became part of the Carey Grammar football program and the Collingwood pathway system, where his performances increasingly attracted attention from recruiters and supporters.
Nick Daicos’ Education
Nick Daicos attended Camberwell Grammar School during his early teenage years. While he was a student there, he continued developing as a footballer and played junior football at a high level. His football development eventually led to a change in schools as he sought greater exposure to the Associated Public Schools football competition.
In 2018, Daicos moved to Carey Baptist Grammar School in Melbourne, where he joined the school’s First XVIII football program while still in Year 10. Despite being younger than many of his teammates and opponents, he quickly became an important part of the side. He initially played as a forward before moving into a more creative role where his ability to read the game and carry the ball became increasingly obvious.
Daicos completed his secondary education at Carey Baptist Grammar, a school known for its academic and sporting programs. His time at Carey coincided with a major stage in his football development, including playing alongside other highly regarded young players and eventually progressing into the Oakleigh Chargers and Collingwood development pathways.
Nick Daicos’ Career
Nick Daicos entered the AFL system through the Collingwood father son pathway. He had already trained through the Peter Daicos Academy and other Collingwood development programs before becoming eligible for the national draft. In 2021, Collingwood selected him with Pick 4, allowing the young midfielder to join the club his father had represented with distinction.
Daicos made his AFL debut for Collingwood in Round 1 of the 2022 season against St Kilda at Marvel Stadium. His first season immediately demonstrated his readiness for senior football. He played every one of Collingwood’s 25 matches that season and won the AFL Rising Star Award as well as the AFLPA Best First Year Player Award.
His second season brought another major step forward. Daicos became one of Collingwood’s central midfielders, won the Anzac Day Medal and helped the Magpies reach the 2023 AFL premiership. He was also selected in the All Australian team, establishing himself among the leading players in the competition despite being only 20 years old.
Daicos continued to develop into an elite midfielder in 2024 and 2025. He won the 2024 Copeland Trophy and the 2024 AFLCA Champion Player of the Year Award, while earning further All Australian recognition. In 2025, he won the Leigh Matthews Trophy and Lou Richards Medal and was again selected as an All Australian. He also captained the AFL 22under22 team for multiple seasons.
In 2023, Daicos committed his long term future to Collingwood by signing a contract that keeps him at the club until the end of 2029. His 2026 season then produced another historic chapter when he won the Brownlow Medal with a record 47 votes, surpassing Patrick Cripps’ previous record of 45.
Nick Daicos Wins the 2026 Brownlow Medal With a Record 47 Votes
Nick Daicos is currently attracting major public attention after winning the 2026 Brownlow Medal, the AFL’s highest individual honour. The 23 year old Collingwood midfielder collected 47 votes, setting a new record for the most votes in a Brownlow Medal count and surpassing Patrick Cripps’ previous record of 45 votes.
Daicos polled votes in 18 of his 22 matches and produced a particularly strong run during the season, including six consecutive best on ground performances. His Brownlow victory also represents his fourth podium finish in five seasons, following two second place finishes and one third place finish in previous counts.
The achievement has added another major individual honour to a career that already includes an AFL premiership, multiple All Australian selections, the AFL Rising Star Award and the Leigh Matthews Trophy. His Brownlow victory also comes at a point when he has taken on greater leadership responsibilities at Collingwood.
Nick Daicos’ Personal Life
Nick Daicos is the son of Peter Daicos and is the younger brother of Josh Daicos. His relationship with his father and brother has played an important role in his football development, particularly because both have strong connections to Collingwood. Nick spent years watching and training alongside Josh before eventually joining him as a teammate at the club.
Daicos has generally kept much of his personal life away from the centre of his public profile, with his football career remaining the primary focus of media coverage. He has spoken publicly about his upbringing in a football environment and the influence of older players around him while developing his skills.
Outside football, Daicos has been associated with commercial and fashion interests alongside his brother Josh. His growing profile has also resulted in sponsorship and endorsement opportunities, adding a business dimension to his career beyond his AFL playing commitments.
Nick Daicos’ Age, Religion, Nationality, Height and Physical Appearance
Nick Daicos was born on January 3, 2003, making him 23 years old in 2026. He is Australian by nationality and was born and raised in Victoria. His Macedonian heritage comes through his father, Peter Daicos, whose family background is part of the Daicos family’s well known identity in Australian football.
Daicos’ religion has not been reliably established through widely documented public information, so it is not appropriate to assign a specific religious affiliation to him without confirmation.
Nick Daicos is listed at approximately 184 centimetres, or 6 feet, tall. He has an athletic build suited to his role as a midfielder, with his game characterised by speed, endurance, agility and clean ball use. His distinctive appearance and highly recognisable Collingwood No. 35 guernsey have also contributed to his strong public profile.
Nick Daicos’ Net Worth
Nick Daicos’ exact net worth has not been officially disclosed. As a young AFL superstar with a long term Collingwood contract, major sporting achievements and commercial opportunities, his wealth is primarily connected to his professional football earnings and endorsement income.
In 2023, Daicos signed a long term contract extension that keeps him at Collingwood until the end of 2029. The club did not publicly disclose the complete financial value of the agreement, and reported salary figures vary between publications.
Based on his AFL contract, sponsorship opportunities, awards and growing commercial profile, Nick Daicos’ 2026 net worth can reasonably be estimated at around AU$2.5 million to AU$3 million, although this remains an unofficial estimate rather than a confirmed financial figure.
Nick Daicos’ Legacy
Nick Daicos is already establishing a significant place in Collingwood’s football history despite being only 23 years old. Following his father Peter and brother Josh into the club, he has extended the Daicos name into another generation of professional football while developing an identity based on his own performances.
His early career has been marked by a combination of individual awards and team success. The 2023 premiership, multiple All Australian selections, the AFL Rising Star Award, the Leigh Matthews Trophy and his record breaking 2026 Brownlow Medal have given his career an unusually decorated beginning.
His legacy will also be shaped by the way he has handled the expectations surrounding the Daicos name. Rather than simply being known as Peter Daicos’ son, Nick has developed into a leading AFL midfielder in his own right. His record Brownlow Medal victory in 2026 represents one of the defining achievements of his young career and adds another major chapter to the Daicos family’s connection with Collingwood.
Conclusion
Nick Daicos has progressed from a highly rated junior footballer and son of Collingwood legend Peter Daicos into an established AFL star. From his father son selection in the 2021 draft and impressive debut season to the 2023 premiership and his record breaking 2026 Brownlow Medal victory, his career has developed at remarkable speed. At 23, Daicos remains one of the central figures in the next generation of Australian football, with his achievements already placing him among the most discussed players of his era.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nick Daicos
Who is Nick Daicos?
Nick Daicos is an Australian rules footballer who plays as a midfielder for Collingwood in the AFL.
How old is Nick Daicos?
Nick Daicos is 23 years old in 2026. He was born on January 3, 2003.
When was Nick Daicos born?
Nick Daicos was born on January 3, 2003, in Victoria, Australia.
Where was Nick Daicos born?
Nick Daicos was born in Victoria, Australia.
Who is Nick Daicos’ father?
Nick Daicos’ father is Peter Daicos, a Collingwood football legend who played 250 games for the club.
Who is Nick Daicos’ brother?
Nick Daicos’ older brother is Josh Daicos, who also plays for Collingwood in the AFL.
What team does Nick Daicos play for?
Nick Daicos plays for the Collingwood Football Club in the Australian Football League.
When did Nick Daicos make his AFL debut?
Nick Daicos made his AFL debut for Collingwood in Round 1 of the 2022 season.
What number does Nick Daicos wear?
Nick Daicos wears the No. 35 guernsey for Collingwood.
What pick was Nick Daicos drafted?
Nick Daicos was selected by Collingwood with Pick 4 in the 2021 AFL National Draft under the father son rule.
What awards has Nick Daicos won?
Nick Daicos has won the AFL Rising Star Award, AFLPA Best First Year Player Award, Anzac Day Medal, Copeland Trophy, AFLCA Champion Player of the Year Award, Leigh Matthews Trophy, Lou Richards Medal and the 2026 Brownlow Medal, among other honours.
Did Nick Daicos win the 2026 Brownlow Medal?
Yes. Nick Daicos won the 2026 Brownlow Medal with a record 47 votes.
How many Brownlow votes did Nick Daicos receive in 2026?
Nick Daicos received 47 votes in the 2026 Brownlow Medal count, setting a new record.
How tall is Nick Daicos?
Nick Daicos is approximately 184 centimetres, or 6 feet, tall.
What is Nick Daicos’ nationality?
Nick Daicos is Australian.
What is Nick Daicos’ religion?
Nick Daicos’ specific religious affiliation has not been reliably documented in publicly available information.
Is Nick Daicos married?
There is no reliable public information establishing Nick Daicos as married.
What is Nick Daicos’ net worth?
Nick Daicos’ exact net worth is not publicly confirmed. Unofficial estimates place his 2026 net worth at approximately AU$2.5 million to AU$3 million.
What is Nick Daicos’ Instagram handle?
Nick Daicos’ Instagram handle is @whispernickydaicos.