Nick Daicos revealed he’s spoken with AFL icon Gary Ablett Jr about the pressures and possibilities of being the face of a new expansion club, just as speculation swirls over a potential future move to the Tasmania Devils.
While the Collingwood star insists he’s focused on the present and committed to the Magpies, his comments this week leave the door slightly ajar for a sensational switch when his contract expires in 2029.
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“I’d never rule anything out,” Daicos told The Age on Wednesday. “It’s hard to picture, obviously, it’s so far away – but I’m very happy at Collingwood now.”
Mentored by a man who’s done it before
Daicos confirmed he’s been in regular touch with Ablett, who famously left Geelong in 2010 to become the marquee signing for the Gold Coast Suns — and whose path Daicos could potentially mirror with a high-profile move to Tasmania.
“I’ve picked his brain about several things, not so much Tasmania, but he has talked to me about his move to Gold Coast and evolving as a player,” Daicos said.
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“He’s such a great person and someone that I have leaned on in the past for his football knowledge, he’s experienced so much.”
For now, the 21-year-old remains a key part of Collingwood’s 2025 premiership charge and isn’t distracted by long-term speculation.
“Tassie are a little while away,” he added. “I’m fully fixated on staying at Collingwood for now and this year, more importantly.”