Collingwood Midfielder Nick Daicos has been announced as captain of the AFL Players Association’s 22 Under 22 side for 2023. The fan voted side sees Daicos line up on the left half back flank for the second year running, following his selection in the 2022 side.

A huge 95% percent of fans selected Daicos in their side, making him the most popular selection across the league.

Fellow Collingwood young gun Beau McCreery was selected in the initial squad of 44 for the side but wasn’t selected by fans in the final 22.

Daicos’ 2023 has been immense, with the 20-year-old averaging 31.3 disposals, 4 clearances and 3.8 tackles from his 20 games.

The silky midfielder has amassed 12 goal assists and kicked 18 goals, placing him fifth on Collingwood’s leading goalkicker tally for the season.

Across the 2023 season, Daicos gathered 40 disposals or more on three occasions, with his 42 touches against St Kilda in Round 5 his career best. The fourth overall pick in the 2021 National Draft had 30 or more disposals on nine separate occasions, and 25 or more in seven other games.

Daicos was awarded the coveted ANZAC Day medal in Round 6 after his 40 disposal, two goal best on ground performance against Essendon. In Round 17 against the Western Bulldogs he was awarded the Bob Rose – Charlie Sutton Medal for his 29 disposal, six tackle and two goal game.

The captaincy of the 22 Under 22 side adds to Daicos’ growing list of individual honours including the 2022 Rising Star award and 2022 AFLPA Best First Year player.

Daicos is currently recovering from a knee joint injury suffered in Round 21 against Hawthorn, with a return to football expected during the 2023 Finals Series.

The full AFL Players Association 22 Under 22 side: