Too old and slow? ‘New lease on life’ as Daicos responds to Pies critics with big flag call

Collingwood, too old and too slow? Not according to Nick Daicos.

Daicos says the Magpies can “go all the way” in 2026 as they head into another season with the oldest list in the competition.

Despite losing several veterans including Brody Mihocek, Tom Mitchell and Mason Cox, Collingwood still has the most experienced list of all 18 sides.

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It’s led to scrutiny from some naysayers that Craig McRae’s troops, after reaching a preliminary final and winning a premiership in two of the last three years, is approaching a cliff and set to tumble down the ladder.

But Daicos was optimistic than an exuberance of youth and core of evergreen veterans can lead the club to contend again in 2026.

“We’re good to go,” Daicos told foxfooty.com.au at Thursday’s Kayo Sports AFL season launch event.

“Our youngsters have come in and brought a new lease on life into the club and they’ve been amazing at training.

“And a lot of our older boys are hitting PB’s with running and in the gym.

“I think we’re in really great shape physically, it’s now just a matter of going out and executing.”

It comes after a quiet trade period for Collingwood where Jack Buller was its only addition, while the club took four players in the National Draft but all outside the top 30.

Daicos remains confident that the Pies still have all the tools to mix it with the best and he’s “super excited” for the season ahead.

“I think we can go all the way, for sure,” he said.

“I know every team thinks that this time of year. But I know we have the coaches, players and game plan to get there.

“It’s just a matter of executing it now, which is obviously the difficult part. I think we’re up for the challenge.”

While Josh Daicos has at times trained as a midfielder over the pre-season, Nick said he still expects his older brother to play predominantly across half back.

“He had probably his career-best season at half-back and he’s played so well there. So I think he’ll be lining up at half-back,” the 23-year old superstar added.

Meanwhile, Daicos said it was a “massive honour” to play in last weekend’s State of Orin match in a game the Victorian jet lit up with 38 disposals, 13 score involvements and a goal.

“It was amazing to play with so many great players and against WA, who was star-studded. Every player was a genuine superstar,” he said.

“A super competitive game, which we knew it was going to be. It was sort of questioned externally how seriously we’d take it.

“But it was an amazing experience and I’m grateful I was part of it.

“Hopefully it can go ahead again next year.”