THIS IS THE BEST NEWS WE COULD HOPE FOR: Collingwood Fans and AFL Community Are Overjoyed as CEO Craig Kelly Makes Major Announcement of naming star Nick Daicos the New…..read more
In scenes of pure joy and celebration across the AFL landscape — but especially in the heart of the Magpie Army — Collingwood CEO Craig Kelly has officially announced that **Nick Daicos has been named the new captain of the Collingwood Football Club**.
**Yes, you read that right. Nick Daicos — the generational talent, the midfield maestro, and the spiritual heartbeat of the Pies — will now wear the captain’s armband heading into the 2026 AFL season.**
This marks a historic moment not just for the club, but for the game itself.
In a press conference that sent waves across the AFL world, Craig Kelly described the decision as one driven by both “destiny and dedication.”
> “Nick represents everything this club stands for — hard work, humility, and hunger to win. He’s earned the respect of his teammates, coaches, and fans. This was not just the right choice — it was the only choice,” Kelly said.
The appointment comes after months of speculation about the club’s leadership transition following the stepping down of Scott Pendlebury from the captaincy role. While names like Darcy Moore and Jordan De Goey were floated, it was the 22-year-old Daicos who ultimately captured the hearts and minds of everyone inside the club.
From the moment he was drafted under the father-son rule in 2021, Nick Daicos has carried not only the famous surname — following in the footsteps of his legendary father Peter and brother Josh — but the hopes of an entire club. And he has delivered in every way imaginable.
Now, he becomes one of the youngest captains in Collingwood’s storied history.
Social media erupted within seconds of the announcement. On X (formerly Twitter), #CaptainDaicos was trending nationwide within the hour.
> “This is the best news we could hope for. The Daicos legacy continues, and it’s in the best possible hands,” wrote one fan.
> “Pendles passed the torch. Nick’s gonna carry us for the next decade,” said another.
With a new leader at the helm, the Magpies are setting their sights firmly on back-to-back premierships. And with Nick Daicos leading the charge, few would bet against them.
