Collingwood coach Craig McRae says he marvels at young superstar Nick Daicos.
Daicos has started his second season in fine fashion, leading the AFL coaches votes with 35 to his name – Geelong’s Jeremy Cameron is next best with 26.
As the early Brownlow favourite and competition leader in disposals, kicks, effective disposals and metres gained through five rounds, McRae says he could see during the pre-season that the young defender was set to improve again on his awesome rookie campaign.
“You absolutely marvel,” McRae said on SEN The Run Home.
“Like you can see in the preseason and what was coming, you know, with five games this year.
“But what he's doing every week is just something different, isn't it? He had 42 possessions on the weekend, and he has an ability to impact games.
“He's an incredible player.”
While Daicos is blessed with natural talent, handed down from his father Peter and brother Josh, McRae says he gets the best out of himself through his elite preparation.
“The thing that separates Nick from others is the way he prepares,” McRae said.
“He prepares as good as anyone that you've seen, his training standards (are exceptional).
“If you're a young lad out there and you want to know what makes it or how to make it, get the training and watch Nick train.
“You watch him over the preseason, he comes back on day one preseason and wins the time trial.
“It's not a bad statement to make, that's work he's done.
“The way he prepares, the way he's in there with the coaches yesterday looking at all the things he can do better and the things he's done that he wants to acknowledge.”
While Daicos is dominating each week, the young star has seemingly fallen victim to the tall poppy syndrome, with opposition fans trying to lessen his accomplishments on social media.
SEN’s Andy Maher asked McRae if he had a response to those criticising the 20-year-old.
“There are people saying, ‘He doesn’t get contested footy, he stat pads with kick-ins after points and all the rest of the numbers are a bit misleading’,” Maher said.
“What do you say to that, to those people who, who take pot shots at him like that?”
In response, McRae says he’d rather look at what the young star is doing well while suggesting the younger Daicos will never be a ‘perfect’ player.
“I don't love it as a society really,” McRae replied.
“Why would we look for the wrong or the things that he can't do?
“I love looking at things he can do and rewarding the behaviour, not just Nick, but everyone,
“He's an exceptional talent, his decision-making is like no one else in our team. He sees things that others don't see.
“I'm sure if 17 other clubs had Nick on their list, they'd be looking for ways to get him involved in the game.
“Playing in positions where you want to give him the ball and have him make great decisions.
“He's not going be perfect, we don't even want him to be that, that word.
“What he's doing right now, is fulfilling talent and making us better.”
Daicos will hope to continue his stunning form when the Magpies face the Bombers on Anzac Day at the MCG.