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
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
Yeah Allan’s another looks promising Kevo, like him. Agreed, Ash has to get fit. Reef big potential too.
Kevo
Roar Rookie
True! And I reckon they might just do a quick follow up with the Steele clutch bomb.
Kevo
Roar Rookie
Peter, sitting on the edge of the seat for the whole game (and 2 years!) made it so sweet. I think Johnson will come in, hopefully after a solid summer on the weights. And obviously McStay. Macrae is bound to get more senior footy and will be interesting to see what happens with Taylor Adams. Reef McInnes is starting to look solid but don't know who he pushes out just atm. Hope Noble can become a regular again. Ryan looks like he will develop well. He may gradually replace Howie. How do you rate Allan? Murphy will be back in the starting 18. Interesting to see how Jack Ginnivan kicks on from here.
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
I’d go a step further Knoxy with medals to any player who plays a senior game during the year but it’s just my opinion.
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
Fantastic Knoxy. That bounce, Cox, Nick D, (twice), Pendlebury and JDG to get us back in front, will be replayed as much as the Dom Sheed laser accurate goal.
Knoxy
Roar Rookie
How good is it Pete! My old man and I said the same thing. Finally, a close grand final win! One that will be replayed on tv for decades to come!
Knoxy
Roar Rookie
Congrats to Josh Daicos. Well deserved. What a magical time to be a Pies fan! The last two years have been a hell of a ride! Last Saturday was a dream come true!
Knoxy
Roar Rookie
I used to be against players who don't play in the grand final receiving medals. However, after seeing so many players miss out due to minor injuries and one week suspensions I've come around to the idea. Not necessarily the whole playing list, maybe those who play in the finals that year? Adams missing out was just heart breaking.
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
He had his chances Billy but was purely focused on stopping Andrews so perhaps his mindset was not in forward mode?
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
Macrae looks ready to go Opps hey? Will be first off the rank to replace Tay if he leaves.
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
I’m just so thankful we won a close one mate. Pendles and Sidey defying age Kevo, let’s hope soft tissue doesn’t catch up with those two dual premiership players. Macrae and Reef waiting in the wings. Noble will come back in, who else do you think can arrive? Young Ryan looks a good one. What happens with Will Kelly?
Opps74
Roar Rookie
Good point Peter :thumbup:
Kevo
Roar Rookie
Reckon I would have felt a lot happier if Billy Frampton clunked a few on the day Frodo.
Kevo
Roar Rookie
Loving it mate, these past 2 years have been out of this world. No doubt you're deeply immersed in the joy and achievement of it all. That sounds like a good call, with the view to 2025, and will interesting to see what calls they make this year. This whole team can go around again for another shot at it, and a few handy players to come in from injury and the 2s. I was a bit worried about our old fellas in the GF. I felt they'd either win it for us or father time may suddenly come knocking as it can do on GF day. Most of them look like they have at least another good year or 2 in them. No end in sight for Pendles.
Chanon
Roar Rookie
Let’s not pump up the tyres they may go pop :stoked:
Frodo
Roar Rookie
Collingwood really don't need key forwards of note with the Daicos boys delivering inside 50. Best users of the ball by foot in the League bar none.
Peter the Scribe
Roar Guru
Kevo I’m hearing some stories of building a war chest for the 2024 trade period but also believe the club are trying to improve their draft hand. Might look to swap some futures. I believe Derek Hine has a target in mind but still not sure which. You riding high from the flag Kevo?
nostats
Roar Rookie
agree pete josh really arived this home and away season, hes had to work very hard , even though hes very talented it wasnt too many seasons ago that it looked like he may not turn out to be the player the pies were hoping for, shows he understands talent alone isnt enough which is a great sign for a continuation of his upwards trend for the future, also the expectations with his family name wouldve been huge,great reward for him
Kevo
Roar Rookie
Right up there with BOG on grand final day Peter, even though Bobby Hill deserved the Norm. Two great pick ups, along with the other 3 over last summer. What's your inside info for this summer?
Kevo
Roar Rookie
Hope Adams stays and fights his way in for the crack at back to back. He would be devastated missing out on the flag. Played a great game in the 18 Grand Final. He's losing a yard and can turn it over but gives great grunt and he would have been in the 22 last week if fit.