For over 40 years, the number 35 has been a jumper of legacy, worn by The Master himself, Peter Daicos in 250 games across 14 AFL campaigns from 1979 to 1993.
Following Daicos' retirement in 1994, the jumper remained dormant until it was handed to Simon ‘Presti’ Prestigiacomo – Collingwood's first pick in the 1995 National Draft (No. 10 overall).
Prestigiacomo went on to play 233 senior games across 15 years where he developed a reputation as one of the most respected full backs in the league, but it was ahead of the 2010 Grand Final where he enshrined his legacy at the Club, standing down from the biggest game of the season with the knowledge his injured body would not allow him to play his role at full capacity.
On the eve of Prestigiacomo’s retirement in 2010, the Club decided to hand over the number 35 to its first draft pick each year to honour Presti’s selflessness. Last year, after being selected at pick four, father-son selection Nick Daicos was handed the jumper.
At the conclusion of the season, Nick expressed a desire to continue to wear the No. 35, made famous by his father, while ensuring he maintained the legacy of Prestigiacomo.
The Club supported Nick’s wishes and, while the tradition will evolve, the sentiment that the jumper holds of selflessness, teamsmanship and professionalism will continue.
Collingwood GM of Football Graham Wright said the number 35 would always hold special significance at the Club.
“The number 35 is synonymous with tradition, history and reverence, encapsulating the contribution of Peter Daicos and the legacy of Simon Prestigiacomo,” Wright said.
“Nick approached the Club with his desire to continue to wear the number into the 2023 season and, after working through it internally, we have supported his decision.
Nick Daicos said he was pleased to be able to honour the legacy of his father Peter and that of Simon Prestigiacomo.
“I am beyond grateful to be able to continue to wear the number and build on its legacy at the Collingwood Football Club,” Daicos said.
“It is not lost on me what an honour it is to pull on the Collingwood jumper with the number 35 on the back and what this number means to the Magpie community.
“Presti has gone down as one of the most selfless and professional players in the league and I could only hope to mirror his attributes for the remainder of my football career.
“The jumper also has a strong connection with my immediate family – it is the number I have worn since I was a child running around in junior football – and it is one that I always dreamed of wearing at the elite level and over the course of this year that link felt even stronger.
“Each day the number 35 will be a reminder of the significance this jumper holds and I will make sure I do the number and the Club proud.
