Collingwood Vice-Captain Nick Daicos has claimed his maiden Brownlow Medal after an exciting count tonight at Crown Palladium.
Daicos finished with a total of 47 votes, ahead of second place Bailey Smith on 36 votes and Marcus Bontempelli who finished third with 34 votes.
After finishing in the top three the past three years, Daicos’ victory sees him become the 10th Collingwood player to win the prestigious award, with Dane Swan the most recent Pie to take home the medal in 2011.
Known for his elite football knowledge and versatility, Daicos featured in 22 home and away games this season and the team’s Wildcard Final, averaging 34.7 disposals, 10.8 contested possessions, 5.7 clearances and hit the scoreboard for 26 goals.
The award caps of an impressive year for the 23-year-old, who was also named AFL Players’ Association’s Most Valuable Player and the AFL Coaches Association Champion Player of the Year Award and received his fourth consecutive All Australian blazer.
Collingwood President Barry Carp acknowledged Daicos’ feat.
“On behalf of the entire Collingwood Football Club, I want to extend our congratulations to Nick on his incredible season and claiming this year’s Brownlow Medal,” Carp said.
“Nick's impact extends far beyond statistics and accolades. The professionalism, work ethic and humility he brings every day are qualities that have earned the respect of everyone at the Club. His 2026 season was another example of his commitment to achieving excellence and helping drive the team forward.
“We congratulate Nick on an exceptional season and look forward to watching the next chapter of his career unfold.”
Collingwood Senior Coach Craig McRae congratulated Daicos on the award.
“Nick's 2026 season was another remarkable step in what is already an extraordinary career,” McRae said.
“While his talent and performance continue to set the benchmark across the competition, what stood out most this year was his growth as a leader. He embraced greater responsibility, led by example every week and continued to inspire those around him with his professionalism and commitment to excellence.
“We're incredibly proud of what he achieved this season and what excites us as coaches is that he's still learning, still growing and still driven to improve every aspect of his game."
2026 Brownlow Medal, Top 10
Nick Daicos - 47 votesBailey Smith - 36Marcus Bontempelli - 34Max Gawn - 28Will Ashcroft - 27Patrick Cripps - 27Harry Sheezel - 27Zak Butters - 26Isaac Heeney - 26Izak Rankine - 25
Most Brownlow votes in a season
47 - Nick Daicos, 2026
45 - Patrick Cripps, 2024
39 - Matt Rowell, 2025
38 - Nick Daicos, 2024
36 - Dustin Martin, 2017
36 - Ollie Wines, 2021
