AFL Academy coach and ex-Magpie Tarkyn Lockyer has given Nick Daicos a glowing endorsement ahead of this month’s National Draft.
Daicos has his heart set on joining Collingwood after nominating them as his club of choice in August. The Magpies have acquired several draft picks to match bids for the talented teen.
The 18-year-old is the son of Collingwood legend Peter Daicos and the younger brother of Magpies midfielder Josh Daicos.
Daicos averaged 36 disposals and two goals for the Oakleigh Chargers in this year’s NAB League and amassed 41 touches and booted two majors for Vic Metro against Vic Country.
“Nick’s an incredibly talented player,” Lockyer told Sportsday.
“What he’s been able to do – his decision making, his ability to remain calm under pressure, the skills on both sides of the body – he’s got every kick in the book.
“What he’s been able to achieve in the NAB League this season, he only played in the early parts of the year, his ability to play inside and outside and to hit the scoreboard speaks for itself on the ground. He played forward-mid and back as well at times.
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“But the thing that’s super impressive about ‘Daics’ is he’s a really mature kid and a really well-grounded young man. The other thing that he does is he’s incredibly driven and competitive.
“He’s going to get his opportunity in the AFL system and he’s going to attack it with a full head of steam. He’s an incredibly impressive young man.”
Collingwood’s current hand in this year’s draft is picks 36, 38, 40, 46, 48, 58, 78 and 79.
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