BREAKING NEWS
Collingwood Football Club Legend Peter Daicos Returns as Chief AFL Officer
In a monumental announcement that has stunned the AFL world, the Collingwood Football Club has confirmed that club icon and AFL legend Peter Daicos will return to the organization in 2025 — this time in a powerful new role as the Chief Australian Football League (AFL) Officer.
The announcement was made earlier today by Barry Carp, head of the Carp family, who assumed full ownership of the club earlier this year. The news comes as part of a wider restructuring initiative aiming to realign Collingwood’s leadership with its proud football heritage.
A Legend Returns
Daicos, affectionately known as “The Macedonian Marvel,” is widely considered one of the most gifted players in VFL/AFL history. His dazzling skills, unmatched goal sense, and signature left-foot snaps from impossible angles became a staple of 1980s and early ’90s football.
Playing 250 games and kicking 549 goals for the Magpies between 1979 and 1993, Daicos wasn’t just a fan favourite — he was the face of the club.
Now, over 30 years after hanging up the boots, he returns in a position that will give him strategic oversight across the AFL’s operations — a first for any former player of his era.
Role: What Does a “Chief AFL Officer” Do?
According to a statement from the Carp family, Daicos’ role will include:
- Oversight of Collingwood’s entire AFL program
- Advising on game-day strategy and football department operations
- Leading initiatives to enhance the club’s performance culture
- Strengthening ties between the AFL and broader Collingwood enterprise
- Acting as the club’s primary AFL delegate at league meetings
While the title is unprecedented, sources suggest Daicos will effectively function as a hybrid of director, strategist, and high-level club ambassador.
Barry Carp Speaks
“Peter Daicos is not just a Collingwood champion — he is Collingwood,” said Barry Carp at the surprise press conference held at Olympic Park.
“We’re bringing him back not for nostalgia, but for leadership. Peter understands what this club means, and more importantly, where it needs to go next.”
Keeping It in the Family
The Daicos legacy already lives on at Collingwood through Peter’s sons, Nick and Josh Daicos, two of the league’s most dynamic midfielders. With Peter now stepping into a top executive role, the family’s influence on the club — both on and off the field — has never been greater.
Social media erupted within minutes of the announcement, with #DaicosBack trending nationally and fans hailing the move as “the ultimate full-circle moment.”
Critics Question the Move
While the football world celebrated the emotional return, some critics questioned whether Daicos has the administrative experience to lead at such a senior level.
Former AFL executive Mark Evans commented:
“There’s no doubt Peter Daicos is a legend, but being a great player doesn’t automatically make you a great executive. Time will tell if this is bold or reckless.”
Nonetheless, the Collingwood board remains united behind the decision.
What’s Next?
The club confirmed that Daicos will officially begin in the role on January 15, 2025, just ahead of the pre-season training camp in Maroochydore.
A special unveiling ceremony — dubbed “Return of the Marvel” — is scheduled to take place at the MCG in December, where fans will get a chance to welcome Daicos back in black and white.
“It’s Time to Make History — Again”
In his own words, Peter Daicos closed the press conference with a rallying cry:
“I bled for this club as a player. I’m ready to do it again in a new way. We’re not just chasing flags — we’re chasing greatness. It’s time to make history — again.”
