Victorian rivals have joined Tasmania in circling Collingwood superstar Nick Daicos as belief grows that he is unwilling – for now – to sign the kind of long-term extension that could make him a Magpie for life.
Multiple clubs are closely monitoring the situation, sensing a rare opportunity that could emerge if Daicos resists committing beyond his current deal with Collingwood, which runs to the end of 2029.
While a trade would be enormously complicated given the length of his contract and his status as one of the AFL’s premier players, the possibility that Daicos may not commit himself to Collingwood indefinitely has spared fresh interest across Victoria.
A man in demand: Nick Daicos is Collingwood royalty, and arguably the best player in the AFL.Credit: AFL Photos
Three sources close to the situation, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, have told this masthead Collingwood have shown a willingness to offer Daicos a significant contract extension to guarantee his playing career in black and white for life. But Daicos is comfortable with his current contract and will wait to see what happens around him.
When contacted by this masthead, Magpies football boss Charlie Gardiner said he wouldn’t comment on contract negotiations.
Expansion club Tasmania Devils looms as the most aggressive suitor as it prepares to enter the competition in 2028, while rival Victorian clubs are also watching closely in the event the Brownlow Medal contender’s long-term future becomes uncertain.
Landing a player of Daicos’ stature would require one of the most significant trade packages in league history and would test the AFL’s expansion mechanisms as the league works through how the Devils will assemble their inaugural list.
But the prospect of prising Daicos from Collingwood would likely require more than just the lure of leading a new club.