Sports - AFL
Nick Daicos reveals he played 2025 finals with PCL injury
Despite revealing he played last season’s finals with a PCL injury and foot stress, Nick Daicos is now back and picked for Victoria’s 2026 AFL Origin side.
Nick Daicos has revealed he played through two serious injuries during the 2025 finals series, including a PCL injury that would normally have sidelined him for months.
The 22-year-old suffered a posterior cruciate ligament strain in his left knee just days before the preliminary final loss to the Brisbane Lions.
At the same time, scans after the season uncovered bone stress in the fifth metatarsal of his right foot.
Despite the damage, Daicos delivered 27 disposals, six clearances and five tackles in the qualifying final defeat.
Daicos said he avoided surgery and instead accepted a period of rest, which he feels will benefit him long-term.
He admitted the recovery has been frustrating but necessary.
He has since returned to training, though cautiously. Club reports say he will complete just over half the pre-season workload before Christmas as he gradually rebuilds his training load.
On a brighter note, Daicos has been selected to represent Victoria in the upcoming 2026 AAMI AFL Origin match a revived interstate concept bringing together the game's elite.
He called the selection an honour, saying he's eager to play alongside and against some of the AFL's best.
The selection adds another feather to a decorated but still young career.
The dual revelation of injury and Origin selection paints a clear picture: Daicos remains a key part of Collingwood's and Victoria's future, even as he eases back into football under close management.
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