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Collingwood wingman Josh Daicos has completed a career-best season by claiming a surprise Copeland Trophy at the Magpies’ best and fairest night.
Daicos polled 301 votes to finish 14 clear of younger brother Nick and defender Brayden Maynard (287 apiece) to add to his maiden All-Australian guernsey and premiership medal, to claim a coveted best and fairest in a flag year.
The younger Daicos had been the favourite to claim a first Copeland Trophy of his own, but as with the Brownlow Medal, paid the price for a five-game absence late in the season with a fractured knee.
Recruit Tom Mitchell capped off an excellent first season in black and white to finish fourth, while ageless veteran Scott Pendlebury finished fifth to secure a remarkable 15th top-five finish in 18 seasons at Collingwood.
Star midfielder Jack Crisp claimed the Bob Rose Award for the Magpies’ best player in finals, also finishing seventh in the best and fairest, while Maynard also won the Darren Millane Memorial Trophy for best clubman.
The elder Daicos played every match for the Magpies in 2023, averaging a career-best 25 disposals and booting 16 goals to become one of the AFL’s premier wingmen.
Long overshadowed by the extraordinary first two seasons of younger brother Nick, as well as the legendary exploits of father, Magpies champion and two-time Copeland Trophy winner Peter, the 24-year old’s win confirms his standing as a star of the game.
“The last couple of years have been the best years of my life,” Daicos said during his winner’s speech.
“I love being a part of this club from day one; ever since Fly [coach Craig McRae], you’ve come in, to see the impact you’ve had on all of us, I can’t thank you enough. It’s been amazing.”
“To mum and dad, Nick and I wouldn’t be here without you guys… thank you for all your work throughout the years. Mum, you definitely don’t get the credit you deserve. You were definitely the hardest on Nick and I growing up, so we definitely credit a lot of our success to you.
Josh Daicos celebrates a goal with Scott Pendlebury. (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images)
“To all my teammates: I love playing football with you every weekend. It’s definitely the highlight of my week, I’m forever grateful for all your support, and it’s amazing to be forever bonded now.”
The Daicos brothers both signed long-term contract extensions to keep their famous name at the Magpies mid-season, with Nick tied to the club until the end of 2029 and Josh for an additional 12 months.
Copeland Trophy Top 10
1. Josh Daicos – 301 votes
2. Nick Daicos and Brayden Maynard – 287
4. Tom Mitchell – 283
5. Scott Pendlebury – 282
6. Isaac Quaynor – 267
7. Jack Crisp – 258
8. Brody Mihocek – 254
9. Darcy Moore – 253
10. Jordan De Goey – 249
Other Awards
Bob Rose Award – Best Player in Finals: Jack Crisp
Darren Millane Memorial Trophy – Best Clubman: Brayden Maynard
Gordon Coventry Award – Leading Goalkicker: Brody Mihocek
Harry Collier Trophy – Best First-year Player: Jakob Ryan
Gavin Brown Award – Defensive Pressure: Beau McCreery
Simon Prestigiacomo Side-By-Side Award: Josh Fraser
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