In a remarkable turnaround, Collingwood’s Nick Daicos has addressed the criticism regarding his fitness following a disappointing loss to GWS. After a stellar performance in a 91-point victory over Port Adelaide, Daicos admitted that the concerns raised about his fitness were justified, showcasing his commitment to improvement.

Key Takeaways

• Nick Daicos acknowledges criticism of his fitness after GWS loss.
• He delivered an impressive performance with 26 disposals against Port Adelaide.
• Coach Craig McRae defended Daicos, attributing cramping to his exceptional running.
• The Magpies aim to bounce back after a poor start to the season.

Daicos Reflects on Criticism

After Collingwood’s emphatic win against Port Adelaide, Nick Daicos openly accepted that the criticism he faced regarding his fitness during the previous match against GWS was warranted. The young star, who experienced cramping during the game, stated that he had tried to ignore the noise from critics but ultimately recognised the validity of their comments.

"While last week was super disappointing, we just got back to work this week on the training track," Daicos said. He emphasised the importance of preparation and professionalism, noting that cramping was unusual for him, especially so early in the match.

A Strong Comeback Performance

In the match against Port Adelaide, Daicos showcased his skills with 26 disposals, helping lead his team to a significant victory. He described the style of play as "fun" and expressed satisfaction with his performance, which he attributed to a focused week of training and a determination to improve.

"I tried to block out all the noise; however, I do pride myself on my professionalism, so I thought it was quite disappointing to be cramping and thought a lot of the comments were fair enough," he explained.

Coach’s Support

Collingwood coach Craig McRae came to Daicos’s defence, suggesting that the cramping was a result of his extraordinary effort on the field. McRae noted that Daicos’s running statistics were exceptional, indicating that he had pushed himself to new limits during the game against GWS.

"I know he cramped, and it’s such an anomaly for him. We’ve never seen him cramp before," McRae stated. He highlighted that Daicos’s high-speed running was unmatched in the competition, suggesting that the young player sometimes needs protection from his own intensity.

Looking Ahead

The Magpies’ performance against Port Adelaide marks a significant rebound after their disappointing start to the season. With Daicos leading the charge, Collingwood aims to build momentum and establish themselves as serious contenders in the AFL this year. The team will look to maintain their form as they prepare for upcoming matches, with Daicos’s fitness and performance being crucial to their success.

As the season progresses, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how Daicos continues to develop and respond to the challenges ahead, especially after acknowledging the lessons learned from his earlier performance.