Nick Daicos’ stature in the AFL competition has soared to even greater heights, with the Collingwood superstar awarded the 2024 AFL Coaches Association AFL Champion Player of the Year.
The Magpie star’s perfect ten in Round 24 saw him take the Award with 117 votes, from Blues captain Patrick Cripps (113 votes) and Swans star Isaac Heeney (112 votes). Daicos, 21, polled coaches votes in 16 of the 24 matches this season, earning maximum coaches votes in five rounds.
FULL VOTES & LEADERBOARD:
2024 AFL COACHES ASSOCIATION CHAMPION PLAYER OF THE YEAR
Daicos averaged 30.7 disposals per game (4th in the AFL), 7.7 clearances per game (3rd in the AFL), 5.5 inside 50s (7th) and kicked 20 goals for the season, underlining his impact on games across several categories.
Collingwood coach Craig McRae was thrilled to see Daicos take out the Award.
“Nick is such an important player for us and at only 21 years of age is setting high standards for our football program and reaping the individual and team rewards because of it,” said McRae.
“You don’t have to be a Collingwood person to admire the work and football skill of this young man.”
“It’s pleasing for all 18 clubs to recognise and celebrate his efforts – congratulations, mate.”
AFL Coaches Association CEO Alistair Nicholson congratulated Daicos on taking out the Award.
“Nick has had an unbelievably impressive first three seasons of AFL, he has been awarded many honours including AFL Rising Star, our Coaches Best Young Player now the Coaches Champion Player,” said Nicholson.
“He should be honoured to be recognised by the coaches as the 2024 AFL Coaches Association Champion Player, we believe this to be the most prestigious of Awards in the AFL, the 18 coaching groups have a unique view on our game and allocate their votes with care and consideration. Congratulations Nick.”
The AFL Coaches Association’s AFL Champion Player Award is an award voted by the 18 coaching panels on a 5,4,3,2,1 basis after each home and away game, acknowledging outstanding effort by an individual player in a season.
LIST OF PREVIOUS WINNERS OF AFL COACHES ASSOCIATION CHAMPION PLAYER AWARD
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