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SELECT 👉 Go Media in-stadium feed
Nick Daicos airs his thoughts on the father-son ruling
SEN • August 29th, 2025 11:36 am
Nick Daicos has been awarded one of the most prestigious awards in the AFL, recognised as the AFL Players’ Most Valuable Player award at the AFL Awards on Thursday night.
Averaging 30 disposals, six clearances and eight score involvements per game, Daicos is a worthy winner of the coveted award, edging out Adelaide’s Jordan Dawson and St Kilda’s Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera at the top of the competition.
At just 22 years of age, Daicos becomes the fourth youngest player in history to win the MVP award, and the equal youngest since Nick Riewoldt in 2004.
Joining Kane Cornes and David King on SEN’s Fireball, Daicos expressed his gratitude for being considered for the award.
“It means a lot to me,” Daicos told SEN Fireball.
“Seeing the names that were there last night, there are some bloody good players in the competition so to even be in the discussion for the award means so much to me.
“I know a number of players could have won it so I’m very fortunate to be the winner.”
Given the award is voted on by the players, Daicos revealed who he opted to vote for in season 2025, naming his favourite player and the player he believes to be the best in the AFL.
“Zak Butters, he is my man,” he said.
“I think he is the best player in the competition. He does it all, he’s as tough as they come, he rises to the occasion, quick, powerful.
“He’s my favourite player; I can’t speak more highly of him. I love watching him play and I think he’s probably the most complete footballer there is.”
In recent weeks, the debate surrounding the father-son rule has ramped up rather significantly, given the reports suggesting new footy boss Greg Swann is looking into altering the operation of the ruling in the coming years.
Speaking on the rule that allowed Daicos to become a Pie, the superstar is understandably all for the sentiment remaining in place.
“It’s an interesting one,” he said.
“I think it’s been a great tradition, and I don’t know where it sits. There have probably been a few players like Sam Darcy that have changed it a bit, performing so well so early, but I don’t know if that’s been consistent over a number of years.
“I don’t know if the rule needs to be changed. I’m quite romantic, I think it’s an amazing thing that a player gets to play for the same football club as their father.
“You can see how teams can get a little disgruntled with teams like Brisbane that are going so well, and then they add both Ashcroft brothers who are clearly stars so early.
“I understand both sides to it, but I’d probably lean towards keeping it.”
Daicos and the Magpies have a big week ahead, playing their first qualifying final against the Crows in Adelaide on Thursday night.
