Collingwood Vice-Captain Nick Daicos has claimed his second E.W. Copeland Trophy, capping a remarkable 2026 season in the black and white.
Daicos finished the count on 519 votes, ahead of past winners Josh Daicos (2023) on 365 votes and Darcy Cameron (2025) in third position with 349 votes.
The 23-year-old was a consistent contributor throughout Collingwood’s season, leading the AFL for disposals (797) and score involvements (206), while averaging 6.6 inside 50s, 10.8 contested possessions and 5.7 clearances per game.
His outstanding year was recognised across the competition, with Daicos claiming his maiden Brownlow Medal, while also earning AFLPA MVP and AFLCA Champion Player honours to become just the fifth player in history to claim all three in the same season.
Daicos’ second Copeland follows his first in 2024 and continues the family connection to Collingwood’s highest individual honour, with his brother Josh’s victory in 2023 and father Peter’s in 1982 and 1988.
Finishing second this year, Josh Daicos claimed the R.T. Rush Trophy for an impressive season that also earned him his second selection in the All-Australian Squad after an influential year at half-back.
In third position, Darcy Cameron was awarded the J.J. Joyce Trophy after another strong season in the ruck, which included selection for Western Australia in the 2026 AAMI AFL Origin match early this year.
Rounding out the top five players were Dan Houston on 348 votes in fourth place and leader Isaac Quaynor, who finished in fifth position on 337 votes.
In other best and fairest awards presented tonight, Oskar Faulkhead claimed the Joseph Wren Trophy for his efforts in the VFL.
Dan McStay was awarded the Gordon Coventry Award as the Club’s leading goal kicker. McStay finished the year with a career-high 47 goals. McStay also claimed the Bob Rose Award for best player in the finals after kicking four in the team’s Wildcard Final.
After a breakout 2026 campaign, defender Billy Frampton claimed the Gavin Brown Award for best defensive pressure.
Sam Swadling was presented with the Harry Collier Trophy for best young player. The 19-year-old capped an impressive debut season, earning an AFLPA Best First Year Player nomination and a Telstra Rising Star nomination.
Brayden Maynard and Brynn Teakle were named the AFL and VFL Best Clubmen respectively, receiving the Darren Millane Best Clubman Award and the Jack Hellier Trophy.
President Barry Carp congratulated Daicos on his second E.W. Copeland Trophy and recognised the outstanding contributions of all award winners across the Club.
“On behalf of everyone at the Club, congratulations to Nick on another incredible season that has seen him recognised with his second E.W. Copeland Trophy. At just 23, he continues to grow as a leader within our playing group, setting a high standard for himself and those around him,” Carp said.
“While Nick is a deserving recipient of tonight’s highest honour, there have been many outstanding individual performances across our AFL and VFL teams. Josh Daicos and Darcy Cameron have both enjoyed excellent seasons, while Dan McStay, Brayden Maynard, Billy Frampton, Sam Swadling and all of our other winners have made important contributions to the Club.
“Congratulations to all the recipients this evening as we reflect on the 2026 season. We look forward to building on that growth in 2027 and continuing to share the journey with all Collingwood Members and supporters.”
E.W. Copeland Voting System
The Senior Coach Craig McRae, together with Senior Assistant Coach Hayden Skipworth and assistant coaches, Matthew Boyd, Jordan Roughead and Tyson Goldsack, award the votes after each match, including all finals matches.
Each coach is asked to vote on every player. Each player can receive votes between 0-6 on their overall impact on the game. The maximum number of votes a player can receive per round is 30 votes.
In the event that two or more players finish with the same number of votes, this will result in a tie.
E.W. Copeland Trophy – Top 10
- Nick Daicos – 519 votes (E.W. Copeland Medal)
- Josh Daicos – 365 votes (R.T. Rush Trophy)
- Darcy Cameron – 349 votes (J.J. Joyce Trophy)
- Dan Houston – 348 votes
- Isaac Quaynor – 337 votes
- Dan McStay – 332 votes
- Billy Frampton – 331 votes
- Jordan De Goey – 325 votes
- Jack Crisp – 313 votes
- Lachie Schultz – 299 votes
Other award winners
Bob Rose Award (Best Player in Finals) – Dan McStay
Darren Milane Memorial Award (Best Clubman) – Brayden Maynard
Gavin Brown Award (Best Defensive Pressure) – Billy Frampton
Gordon Coventry Award (Leading Goal Kicker) – Dan McStay
Harry Collier Trophy (Best Young Player) – Sam Swadling
Jack Hellier Trophy (VFL Best Clubman) – Brynn Teakle
Joseph Wren Trophy (VFL Best and Fairest) – Oskar Faulkead
