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Sport Nation
Why Russell thinks there is “daylight” between the best player in the AFL and the rest
Lachlan Geleit • February 28th, 2025 8:50 am
Dwayne Russell thinks Collingwood are a must-have in predicted top eights after watching their 132-49 win over Richmond in the AAMI Community Series on Tuesday night.
While the victory came against a team many expect to finish last, Russell expects Collingwood to jump back into finals action because of the improvement they made in the off-season thanks to the additions of Dan Houston (one goal, 22 disposals), Harry Perryman (one goal, 20 disposals, 10 tackles) and Tim Membrey (four goals).
“The first thing that struck me last night was that Collingwood has to be in your eight,” Russell told SEN Afternoons.
“If Collingwood's not in your eight on what you saw (on Wednesday night) with Dan Houston added, then you obviously didn't watch, or you just have a bent against Collingwood.”
The player that starred the most for Collingwood on Tuesday was Nick Daicos, who helped himself to a ridiculous 32 disposals in just over a half of football before he was put on ice.
Ahead of the 2025 season, Russell has the 22-year-old as clearly the best player in the AFL, with daylight behind him to second place.
“As I mentioned with Gerard Whateley, I'll tell you who my second best player in the competition is… it's daylight,” Russell said.
“Because Nick Daicos… sure it was only a pre-season game, but that's why it was so impressive.
“32 possessions, six clearances and eight tackles in a game where most players would try and get through without laying one. He had the second most tackles on the ground.
“Who does what Nick Daicos did last night? Bust their gut, go flat out, attack every contest, sprint away at full speed, and lay tackles to set a standard in a pre-season game, and he's not even the captain.
“He, like many stars, could have cruised into Round 1, but not Nick Daicos, he’s a standard setter. When he puts the boots on, whether it's training, whether it's trial games, where you win them by 83 points and you kick 21 goals, Nick Daicos doesn't do 80 per cent, I love that about him.
“He just does not do 80 per cent, regardless of where he is.”
Collingwood’s season opener comes in Opening Round against GWS at ENGIE Stadium on March 9.
