Daicos battled two serious injuries during 2025 finals

Collingwood superstar Nick Daicos battled through a pair of serious injuries during last year’s finals series, reports Seven’s Mitch Cleary.

According to Cleary, the 2025 AFL MVP suffered a PCL injury in his left knee just days out from the Preliminary Final loss to Brisbane, as well as bone stress in the fifth metatarsal of his right foot.

If Daicos suffered the injury at an earlier point of the season, Cleary told Seven News: “It would have cost him months in-season and only came to light during post-season scans.”

While Daicos was hampered, he still collected a solid 27 disposals, six clearances and five tackles in the prelim loss to the Lions.

Although Daicos didn’t have to undergo surgery, he was forced to take some time off once the season wrapped up in late September.

"Building up my training loads, it's been a bit frustrating at times," Daicos told Seven News.

"You want to be doing everything you can. But naturally, I was forced to have some time off, which will be a good thing in the long run.

"I didn't need any surgery, just more time off."

The 22-year-old will complete just over 50 per cent of the club’s pre-season before Christmas before ramping up his preparations for the 2026 campaign.

Daicos and the Magpies kick off next season with an Opening Round clash against St Kilda at the MCG on Sunday, March 8.