Nick Daicos spotted in brilliant post-match move after Collingwood break Kangaroos' hearts

Collingwood pulled off an unlikely comeback win against North Melbourne on Sunday, with the premiers seemingly down and out as AFL fans witnessed what they thought was about to be the biggest upset of the season. The Magpies coughed up eight goals in the first quarter and looked gone for all money when they fell 54 points in arrears early in the third term.

Trailing by 31 points at the final change, Collingwood kicked six goals to one in the last quarter, which featured three lead changes in a thrilling finish. Pies forward Bobby Hill took a courageous mark and kicked a go-ahead major at the 27-minute mark, but the gripping contest wasn’t settled until Fisher’s last-gasp snap shot floated agonisingly wide for North Melbourne.

As the siren sounded and the relief set in for Collingwood that they had truly got away with one, Nick Daicos went over to console Fisher who was distraught after he missed a golden opportunity to lift North to a historic win. After briefly yelling out in celebration, the Pies young gun jogged over to Fisher to give him a hug and share some kind words.

When asked about the encounter by AFL presenter Sarah Jones after the game, Daicos said good sportsmanship had been instilled in him by Collingwood coach Craig McRae. "One thing everyone in football admires you for is your sportsman-like behaviour, and I just saw you go over to (Zac) Fisher and have a chat to him. Obviously a tricky moment for him, but is that important to you, to make sure you’re always reaching out to the opposition?" Jones asked.

To which Daicos replied: "Yeah absolutely. ‘Fly’ (McRae) is really big on being good sports and we like to think we are as a football club. “He’s (Fisher) had a great year. I’ve known him (since) before he was at North, so I just got over to him. I actually thought it was a goal, so I was heartbroken, but luckily it went through the points." The win lifts the Magpies (8-4-2) into third spot ahead of their mid-season bye, while North Melbourne (1-12) remain nailed to the bottom of the table.

Collingwood set to welcome key cavalry back for Gold Coast clash

Collingwood are set to take their AFL premiership defence up a gear as they prepare to welcome back flag stars Jordan De Goey and Brody Mihocek from injuries after the bye. De Goey (groin) and Mihocek (hamstring) were among a group of seven players from the 2023 premiership-winning team sidelined from the Kangaroos clash with injury.

But McRae says the pair are set to return to action when Collingwood takes on Gold Coast at People First Stadium on June 29. Oleg Markov (back) is also expected to return against the Suns and Scott Pendlebury (biceps) is considered a chance to play. Jamie Elliott (vascular), Mason Cox (concussion/knee) and Tom Mitchell (foot), however, are still at least a few weeks away.

"There's quite a few at the gate ready to jump out of the blocks post-bye," McRae said. "I don't know exactly all of them, but I think Mihocek would've played (against North Melbourne).

"Jordy's really taken huge steps forward, so I think he'll be a good chance to play (against Gold Coast). Pendles (Pendlebury) I'm not sure. Maybe, maybe not."

with AAP