YouTube video by Collingwood Football Club

Nick Daicos has made history by winning the 2026 Brownlow Medal, the highest individual honour in the Australian Football League (AFL), with a record-breaking 47 votes. This victory marks his first win after finishing as runner-up in previous years, adding to his 2023 premiership medal, two AFL MVP awards, and four All-Australian honours. Daicos, aged 23, also broke multiple records, including the most three-vote games and consecutive three-vote games in Brownlow Medal history. The ceremony was overshadowed by an awkward silence surrounding the Sydney Swans scandal, where suspended players Isaac Heeney, Chad Warner, Nick Blakey, and Riley Bice were not allowed to attend the event. Whenever their names were mentioned during the count, the room fell silent, and the TV cameras panned to wide shots of the audience. Geelong's Bailey Smith finished second with 36 votes, while Marcus Bontempelli came third with 33 votes. The incident highlighted the ongoing controversy involving the Sydney Swans, who were banned from attending the event, and their teammates who were present were largely ignored during the broadcast. The Brownlow Medal count took place at the Crown Palladium in Melbourne, with the AFL and broadcaster Channel 7 attempting to navigate the sensitive situation. Daicos' achievement is particularly notable as he has become the youngest player to win the Brownlow Medal with such a dominant performance, cementing his status as one of the AFL's most decorated players. The event also featured other notable moments, including the presence of WAGs (Wives and Girlfriends) who stole the show on the red carpet, but the focus remained on Daicos' historic win and the unresolved issues surrounding the Sydney Swans scandal.

Nick Daicos, the Collingwood Magpies star, has been crowned the winner of the prestigious Brownlow Medal for the 2026 season, achieving a historic milestone by securing the highest number of votes in the award's history. The Brownlow Medal, awarded annually to the player adjudged the fairest and best in the Australian Football League (AFL), saw Daicos accumulate an unprecedented total of votes, surpassing previous records. This victory marks Daicos' first Brownlow Medal, cementing his status as one of the league's most outstanding players. The announcement was made on September 21, 2026, following the conclusion of the AFL season. Daicos' performance throughout the season was marked by exceptional skill, consistency, and sportsmanship, earning him widespread recognition from fans, peers, and officials. The Collingwood Football Club celebrated the achievement, highlighting Daicos' dedication and leadership on and off the field. The Brownlow Medal has been a coveted honor since its inception in 1924, and Daicos' record-breaking win adds a new chapter to its storied history. This achievement is particularly significant as it reflects not only his individual brilliance but also his contribution to the team's success throughout the season. The AFL community has praised Daicos for his exemplary conduct and commitment to the sport, with many noting that his win is a testament to his hard work and talent. The ceremony, held at the conclusion of the season, was attended by prominent figures from the AFL, including league officials and fellow players, who acknowledged Daicos' remarkable accomplishment. Daicos' victory is expected to inspire future generations of footballers, showcasing the rewards of perseverance and excellence in the sport. The Collingwood Magpies, known for their strong team culture, have emphasized that Daicos' success is a collective effort, reflecting the club's values and strategic approach to player development. As the 2026 season draws to a close, Daicos' Brownlow Medal win stands as a defining moment in his career and in the history of the AFL.

The article discusses the upcoming Brownlow Medal 2026, focusing on Nick Daicos as the overwhelming favorite to win the award. Daicos, a Collingwood player, is expected to secure the medal with a significant margin, potentially reaching the 40s or even 50s in votes. The article details expert predictions from various AFL commentators, with Daicos consistently ranked first, followed by Marcus Bontempelli, Bailey Smith, and others. The piece also covers the historical context of the Brownlow Medal, noting that Daicos has been a strong contender in previous seasons, finishing second in 2024 and 2025. The article mentions that Daicos could surpass Patrick Cripps' record of 45 votes from two years ago. The AFL has introduced a new voting system allowing umpires to access statistics to aid their decision-making, which may reduce the likelihood of surprise winners like Matt Priddis in 2014 or Matt Rowell in 2025. The article also provides odds for the top contenders, with Daicos at $1.01, making him the clear favorite. Other contenders include Bailey Smith at $51.00, Marcus Bontempelli at $67.00, and Patrick Cripps at $81.00. The article concludes by stating that Daicos is the clear favorite to win the Brownlow Medal, with the main question being how many votes he will accumulate.

Collingwood has clinched a finals spot in the AFL after a hard-fought 19-point victory over West Coast at Optus Stadium. Despite a valiant comeback from the Eagles, led by injured star Harley Reid, the Magpies maintained their composure to secure a 17.15 (117) to 15.8 (98) win. Brownlow Medal favourite Nick Daicos was instrumental, collecting 39 disposals, 10 clearances, and a goal, while his brother Josh added 35 disposals and a game-high 884m gained. West Coast's Reid, hampered by a quad injury, still managed 30 disposals and a goal, supported by Elliot Yeo and Jake Waterman. Collingwood's Lachie Schultz, Tim Membrey, and Daniel McStay each kicked three goals, despite missing key players. The Eagles' effort, though unsuccessful, showcased resilience, particularly in the second quarter with Yeo's late goal. The match highlighted Daicos' dominance and Collingwood's ability to clinch crucial games amid challenges.