Nick Daicos: Complete Profile – Salary, Stats, Family

Few AFL players walk onto the field with a surname that already carries half a century of history. Nick Daicos, the son of Collingwood legend Peter Daicos, has done more than just live up to the name – he’s redefining it. Since his debut in 2022, he’s picked up an AFL Rising Star award, a premiership, and drawn comparisons to the league’s elite. Here’s a grounded look at the numbers, the family ties, and the debates that surround one of the competition’s most talked-about midfielders.

Age: 23 (born 3 January 2003) ·
Height: 184 cm ·
Club: Collingwood Magpies ·
Debut: 2022

How much does Nick Daicos get paid per year?

Reports from multiple outlets place Nick Daicos among the AFL’s top earners. The most commonly cited figure is $1.2 million per year under his current contract, which runs through 2026. Man of Many lists him at that amount in their 2026 highest-paid AFL players coverage, and Sportsbet Huddle independently confirms the same figure. Because AFL salary cap data is not always published, these figures are best estimates from industry sources. Earlier years show lower numbers: a TooSerious fan database lists his 2024 salary at $566,700 and 2023 at $569,000, though these are unofficial.

What is Nick Daicos’ salary at Collingwood?

His current contract, signed in 2024, is reported to be worth approximately $1.2 million annually. Sportsbet Huddle places him on that figure in their 2026 highest-paid list. The deal keeps him at the club as a key midfielder through the 2026 season.

Is Nick Daicos’ contract publicly known?

The AFL does not make individual player salaries fully public, so exact numbers are not available. The $1.2M figure is sourced from editorial reports and betting sites that track player market value. For comparison, Superprof lists Marcus Bontempelli at $1.1 million, making Daicos one of the higher-paid players in the league despite only being in his fourth season.

Do Josh and Nick Daicos have a sister?

Yes, they have a sister named Maddie Daicos. The family is well-known in AFL circles because their father, Peter Daicos, is a Collingwood legend. Nick and his brother Josh both play for the Magpies, making the Daicos family one of the most famous father-son stories in the league.

Who is Nick Daicos’ mother?

Nick Daicos’ mother is not publicly named in most sources. The family keeps a relatively low profile outside of football. Surprise Sports notes that his mother has been a supportive presence but does not provide a name.

Was Nick Daicos a father-son selection?

Yes, Nick was drafted by Collingwood as a father-son pick in 2021, following his brother Josh who was also taken under the same rule. The rule allows clubs to recruit sons of former players who have played 100 games for the club. Peter Daicos played 250 games for Collingwood, making both brothers eligible. Zerohanger confirms his father-son status.

How old is Maddie Daicos?

Maddie Daicos is the younger sister of Nick and Josh. While her exact birth year is not publicly listed, she is believed to be in her late teens or early twenties. She occasionally appears in family social media posts but maintains a private life.

Who did Nick Daicos support growing up?

Growing up as the son of a Collingwood legend, Nick naturally supported the Magpies. He has said in interviews that he was a passionate Collingwood fan from a young age, attending games with his family. Surprise Sports mentions his lifelong connection to the club.

Is Nick Daicos still with his partner?

Nick Daicos is reportedly in a relationship, but he keeps his personal life extremely private. No official confirmation of a partner’s name or details has been made public. TooSerious and other fan databases do not list any relationship information, and the AFL media has respected his privacy.

Has Nick Daicos had a girlfriend?

There have been occasional rumors, but no confirmed reports of a past girlfriend. Unlike many AFL players who share their relationships on social media, Daicos has kept his personal life entirely separate from his public profile. This is intentional – he has stated in interviews that he prefers to focus on football.

Is Nick Daicos considered a good player?

Unanimously, yes. Nick Daicos is widely regarded as one of the top midfielders in the AFL. In his first season (2022) he won the AFL Rising Star award, and in 2023 he was a key contributor to Collingwood’s premiership and earned All-Australian selection. Zerohanger notes his 2026 season average of 128.6 fantasy points, and Footywire shows a 2025 average of 30.0 (likely fantasy points or disposals) across 25 games. His consistency and impact have drawn comparisons to the league’s best.

Who is better, Nick Daicos or Marcus Bontempelli?

This is a frequent debate among AFL fans. Both are elite midfielders, but they differ in experience and style. The table below summarises key data points.

Two players, one debate: Daicos brings youth and rising production, while Bontempelli offers proven longevity and leadership.

The implication: Daicos has achieved more in his first three seasons than most players do in a decade, but Bontempelli’s sustained excellence over eight years gives him the edge in overall résumé. The verdict is still being written – Daicos is on pace to overtake him if he maintains his trajectory.

What are Nick Daicos’ stats?

Key stats from his career so far: 2022 debut season – 25 games, Rising Star winner; 2023 – premiership, All-Australian; 2025 season – 25 games, average 30.0 (per Footywire). He is known for his high footy IQ, precise kicking, and ability to read the game. Zerohanger lists his 2026 season average at 128.6 fantasy points, reflecting his elite scoring output.

Where does Nick Daicos live?

Nick Daicos lives in Melbourne, most likely in the inner suburbs close to Collingwood’s training base. While his exact address is not public, players typically reside in areas like Richmond, Fitzroy, or South Yarra. Surprise Sports mentions that he lives in the city, but provides no further details.

Why does Nick Daicos wear 5 at training?

Nick Daicos wears the number 5 at training as a tribute to his father, Peter Daicos, who wore the number 35 for Collingwood. The number 5 is a shortened reference to his father’s legacy. During games, he wears the number 35 – the same as his father’s famous number. Zerohanger and other profiles note this family connection.

What is Nick Daicos’ height and age?

Nick Daicos is 184 cm tall (approx. 6 feet) and weighs 73 kg. He was born on 3 January 2003, making him 23 years old as of 2025. Footywire provides these physical stats.

Clarity: Confirmed vs. unclear

“I’ve learned so much from him. He’s been a massive influence on my career.”

Nick Daicos on his father Peter Daicos, as quoted by Man of Many

“He’s a special talent. The way he reads the game is extraordinary for a player his age.”

Craig McRae (Collingwood coach), as quoted by Zerohanger

For any player making the jump from father-son pick to star, the balance between legacy and individual achievement is delicate. Nick Daicos has navigated it with remarkable poise, backed by numbers that justify the hype. For the Collingwood faithful, the choice is clear: embrace the present, because the future looks even brighter.

Frequently asked questions

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