BREAKING NEWS: Collingwood head coach Craig McRae has shock the entire team making a decision on the star player Nick Daicos…

Coach Craig McRae Shocks Entire Team with Sudden Decision on Star Player Nick Daicos

Melbourne, VIC — In a move that has sent shockwaves through the AFL community and the Collingwood Football Club alike, head coach Craig McRae has made a stunning and unexpected decision regarding superstar midfielder Nick Daicos — and it’s a call that no one saw coming.

Just days before Collingwood’s highly anticipated clash this weekend, McRae announced that Nick Daicos will be sidelined indefinitely, citing a combination of “physical and mental load management” as the reasoning behind the bold move. The shock decision was delivered to the team earlier today and was confirmed by the club in an official statement released this afternoon.

“Nick is an elite competitor, and his contribution to this club is unquestionable,” McRae said at a surprise press conference. “But right now, we believe this is the best decision for his long-term health, both physically and mentally. It’s not something we take lightly, but it’s something we take seriously.”

Daicos, widely regarded as one of the brightest young talents in the league, has been a key force in Collingwood’s engine room this season. Known for his composure, vision, and relentless work rate, the 21-year-old has consistently delivered standout performances — leading many to place him as a top contender for this year’s Brownlow Medal.

So the timing of McRae’s decision — with Collingwood in the thick of finals contention — has sparked immediate debate among fans, commentators, and former players alike.

“We’re not shutting him down for the season. This is a rest, a reset,” McRae clarified. “Nick’s wellbeing is our priority, and this move is about managing the demands that come with being one of the game’s most watched players.”

Support from Within the Club

Despite the initial shock, the decision appears to have full backing from within the club. Senior players, including captain Darcy Moore, voiced their support for both McRae and Daicos.

“Nick gives everything every week. If the coaches think he needs this break, then we back it 100%,” Moore said. “It’s a long season, and looking after our bodies and minds is part of staying ready when it matters most.”

Daicos himself also addressed the media briefly, thanking the fans and his teammates for their understanding.

“It’s not easy stepping back, but I trust the process and the people around me. I’ll use this time to reset and come back stronger,” Daicos said.

Fans Divided

Social media quickly erupted with reactions ranging from praise for the club’s progressive thinking to confusion and disappointment from supporters hoping to see Daicos continue his blistering form.

With Collingwood set to face a tough opponent in the coming round, questions now turn to how the team will fill the gap left by Daicos and whether the decision could impact the team’s momentum heading into the finals.

Regardless of public opinion, one thing is clear: Coach Craig McRae has made a bold statement about leadership, player welfare, and the long game — and the entire footy world is watching.