Nick Daicos Wins First Brownlow Medal with Record 47 Votes
Collingwood midfielder Nick Daicos claimed his first Brownlow Medal with a record-breaking 47 votes, surpassing the previous mark set just two years ago. After finishing runner-up twice, the 23-year-old dominated the 2026 season with six consecutive best-on-ground performances.
After years of coming close, Nick Daicos finally has the trophy to match his talent.
The 23-year-old Collingwood star won his first Brownlow Medal on Monday night with a record-breaking 47 votes, shattering the previous modern-day record of 45 set by Carlton's Patrick Cripps in 2024. Daicos surged ahead early with perfect nine-vote tallies from his first three games and never looked back.
The victory was especially sweet for Daicos, who finished runner-up in both 2024 and 2025 despite being the betting favorite. He'd also placed third in 2023 and eighth in his 2022 debut season.
"I've just learned not to trust the betting markets, to be honest," Daicos joked at the count. "But no, there is relief. I can't believe I'm a Brownlow medallist."
The dynamic midfielder's dominance peaked mid-season when he registered six consecutive best-on-ground performances between rounds 15 and 20, sealing the victory by round 21. He finished well ahead of Geelong's Bailey Smith (36 votes) and Western Bulldogs captain Marcus Bontempelli (34).
Daicos averaged an impressive 34.9 disposals, 5.7 clearances, 6.7 inside-50s and 1.1 goals per game throughout the season. For the first time, umpires could consult statistics when casting votes, which seemed to favor the statistically brilliant playmaker.
The win adds to Daicos's trophy haul from an outstanding 2026 season. He'd already claimed both the AFL Players Association and AFL Coaches Association player-of-the-year awards before Monday night's ceremony.
Why This Inspires
Daicos becomes Collingwood's first Brownlow medallist since Dane Swan in 2011, bringing the prestigious honor back to a club hungry for individual recognition. As the son of Magpies great Peter Daicos and a father-son selection, he's written his own chapter in the family legacy.
The Collingwood vice-captain, widely expected to take over as skipper next season, delivered a heartfelt speech thanking his partner Arlette Amor and his family. He acknowledged the extra spotlight that comes with being a father-son pick at such a storied club.
Persistence paid off for a player who never stopped believing despite falling short three times before.
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Based on reporting by ABC Australia
This story was written by BrightWire based on verified news reports.
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