North Melbourne great David King has been “blown away” by Collingwood youngster Nick Daicos this pre-season.
After winning the Rising Star in one of the best debut seasons in AFL history last year, King expects Daicos to go to another level after watching him train at the AIA Centre this summer.
King believes the younger Daicos sibling is set for more midfield and forward minutes after plying his trade off half-back in 2022 as he looks to continue his ascension into the elite of the competition.
“I think he’ll play a lot more midfield minutes this season, and I wouldn’t even be surprised if he finishes the season playing centre-forward,” King told SEN Afternoons.
“This guy - you have to see him train – this time last year we spoke about Sam Walsh’s drive in the pre-season, the absolute stars push themselves that others don’t, I think Nick Daicos does that already.
“If you go and watch Collingwood train, you cannot take your eyes off him, he is everywhere.
“I just get blown away by youngsters that are prepared to apply themselves like that.”
After one track-watching session, King took to Twitter to announce he was keen on the 20-year-old for the Brownlow and the former Kangaroo explained why he felt the young Magpie will be a big vote-getter.
Preseason reports aren’t everyone’s cup of tea, feedback noted. In saying that, I’ve just backed N Daicos for the ‘23 Brownlow.
— David King (@davidking34) January 12, 2023
Impressive session from Frampton, Allen (kicking skills for his size - wow!), Carmichael and Bobby Hill.
Pressure on for positions in the 23 this year
“If he plays midfield and they win 15 games this season, he’ll get a truckload of votes, there’s no doubt about that,” King said.
“As a half-back flanker, maybe those touches aren’t as notable to the umpires, but as a midfielder, if your team is winning games of football, he’ll gather votes.”
Daicos and the Magpies open up their 2023 campaign with a blockbuster clash against Geelong at the MCG on March 17.