Collingwood have raised concerns with the AFL and on-field umpires over the treatment of Nick Daicos, following a fortnight of rough tagging that’s left the club questioning how far is too far.
Magpies coach Craig McRae confirmed he’d spoken to umpires during the club’s Thursday training session, and used a phone call with the AFL’s coaching engagement manager Dan Richardson, to bring up his star midfielder’s case.
“I spoke to Dan Richardson earlier this week and [it was] nothing untowards,” McRae told The Age. “He rang me about another issue and [I said] ‘I just wonder what your take is on what’s going on?’”
‘We’re here to protect our talent in the game’
Daicos has faced intense physical pressure in recent games, from being pinched and pushed by St Kilda’s Marcus Windhager, to being heavily checked by Melbourne’s Ed Langdon, with Windhager even copping a $1500 fine for striking the young Magpie.
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Despite that, Daicos still racked up 30 disposals and a goal.
“I spoke to the umpires today at training… It’s just an awareness to how they see things,” McRae added. “We’re here to protect our talent in the game, and Nick’s someone we want to make sure we support.”
While the Saints’ Ross Lyon took aim at the officiating for awarding Daicos four frees, former Essendon star James Hird argued each was deserved.
McRae was reassured that the umpires are keeping close watch on what’s happening around the ball. “Without oversharing, I think there’s a level of eyes on him,” he said. “There’s four umpires that they’re looking for things, particularly around stoppage. It’s just nice to hear that.”
The coach also joked about Daicos' possible move to Tasmania in the future, quipping, “If Nick goes to Tassie, I’m going with him. It’s a double deal.”