Collingwood star Nick Daicos insists he will be ready to go for the start of the AFL campaign despite an ongoing injury interrupting his pre-season.
The 22-year-old has been suffering from plantar fasciitis in his foot, forcing his training program to be adjusted recently.
However, the two-time All Australian admitted he is unsure if he will play the practice matches, but vowed to be on the field for Round 1.
“I had a bit of a foot flare up, but the club’s managed it really well and we’re slowly building up as we have a bit of time on our side. I’m trying to rush them and get back into a bit of match play and everything, but they’ve managed it really well and I’m feeling confident with it,” Daicos said to AFL.com.au.
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“Yeah I’ll be there (in Opening Round) I’m sure. It’s tracking really well and there’s a few things to tick off like practice matches and things like that, but it’s all looking really good.”
Daicos has enjoyed a meteoric rise since making his debut in Round 1, 2022, winning a premiership, selected as All Australian twice (2023, 2024) and earning the AFLCA Champion Player of the Year Award last season.
The midfield star has rarely missed a game since his debut, playing 70 matches including every Magpies fixture last season.
Daicos was selected by Collingwood at pick 4 in the 2021 AFL Draft as a father-son selection relating to his father Peter.