Interrupting what should have been an evening of celebration, Collingwood’s Best & Fairest night erupted into controversy after coach Craig McRae made a controversial joke about Nick Daicos’ repeated near-misses in the Brownlow Medal race. Daicos’ father, club legend Peter Daicos, stormed out of the event in visible frustration. 
The tension didn’t stop there: a swirl of speculation suggests that multiple clubs have already reached out to Nick Daicos, sensing an opportunity to leverage this moment. Despite being contracted until 2029, sources close to the club say he’s highly aware of his rising worth — and that this isn’t just a minor snub, it may be a signal that Collingwood must re-evaluate his compensation.
Fans are split. Some defend McRae’s attempt at humor in what is often a light-hearted ceremony; others say mocking a player’s multiple runner-up finishes crosses a line. Social media has become a battleground of opinions, ranging from sympathy for Nick Daicos to anger at what’s perceived as poor leadership.
Amid the fallout, club management is staying quiet — no formal apologies or clarifying statements yet. In the locker room, the atmosphere is rumored to be uneasy. The question on everyone’s mind: has this moment irreparably rattled trust between the coach, the player, and the wider Collingwood community?
One thing is certain: Collingwood never expected their Best & Fairest night to make headlines like this — but in doing so, they’ve opened a whole new front in AFL debate over respect, value, and what loyalty really means.
