AFL: The country’s best football players and their partners descended on Melbourne for the AFL’s night of nights on Monday.
Brownlow favourite Nick Daicos was the centre of attention, with all eyes on the Collingwood star and his partner Arlette Armor ahead of his historic night.
Nick’s brother Josh will also attract attention, as fans waited to see what his fiancee and notable queen of the Brownlow, Annalise Dalins, was wearing.
AFL heartthrob Bailey Smith was late, fresh out of a shoulder reconstructive surgery, while Fremantle Dockers and Brisbane Lions players attended virtually, as both teams prepare for their Grand Final appearance on Saturday.
Notably, the five Sydney Swans players who were stood down by their club after the Pullman Hotel saga were not in attendance, including Isaac Heeney who is under police investigation for sexual assault, as well as Chad Warner and Nick Blakey.
Key Events
That’s a wrap!
Third time’s the charm for Nick Daicos in a night he will never forget.
He nearly cracked the 50 mark but at least he has left himself something to achieve given he already has a flag.
Until next time, farewell!
Eagles and Dockers
It was a big night for the Dockers with 11 players polling votes while the Eagles took a masive step in the right direction.
All the results below.
Dockers
L Jackson - 19
S Bolton - 15
M Reid - 15
C Serong - 14
A Brayshaw - 9
J Amiss - 8
J Treacy - 7
P Voss - 7
J Clark - 3
M Johnson - 2
H Young - 1
Eagles
H Reid - 15
J Waterman - 6
E Yeo - 4
R Ginbey - 2
T Kelly - 2
M Murdock - 1
B Williams - 1
Brownlow top 10
N Daicos - 47
B Smith - 36
M Bontempelli - 34
M Gawn - 28
W Ashcroft - 27
P Cripps -27
H Sheezel - 27
Z Butters - 26
I Heeney - 26
I Rankine - 25
Toilet paper footy
A few youngsters have just found their favourite work around for not kicking the footy in the house.
Daicos revealed he and Josh, with help from there dad, created footys out of toilet paper and sticky tape.
Should at least keep the walls mark-free.
Coach’s message
Pies coach Craig McRae has hailed Daicos’ growth after winning Charlie.
“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.”
“Brutal”
Daicos revealed his father and Pies legend Peter had to excise a Carlton phase from his son.
The Brownlow-winner said he loved Marc Murphy and Chris Judd and came home with the No.3 Carlton jumper and singing the son.
It saw his dad treat him like a “COVID patient”.
One for Logan
Nick Daicos has been working with a young boy named Logan battling cancer and promised him his first signature as a Brownlow Medalist would go to him.
So he signs the front page of the Herald Sun that was juts a picture of him with the word “inevitable” for the youngster.
That picture has now been revealed as a banner in Melbourne.
“Pushed away”
Daicos revealed the attention from outside after being drafted to the Pies quickly became too much and he had to learn how to shut down the noise.
He did love it as a draft prospect though.
He also reveals he has taught himself to be “numb” to outside feedback and instead focus on those that know him.
“I think it’s chaos in Melbourne but that’s what makes it so special,” he said.
Surprise
Nick Daicos maintains he never believed he would be on the Brownlow stage in a very humble speech typical of the man.
He also played junior footy with last year’s winner Matt Rowell who hands over the medal in a special moment.
Your winner!
Nick Daicos takes out the Brownlow Medal with 47 votes!
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