Pies dominate AFL award nominations

Collingwood superstar Nick Daicos could claim a maiden Brownlow Medal and goal of the year on the same night after receiving two nominations for the award.

Daicos’ showstopping majors against Gold Coast in round 16 and Brisbane in round 23 will be pitted against West Coast gun Harley Reid’s centre-bounce goal at top speed against Melbourne in round 10.

The Magpies star, who is among the favourites to win the Brownlow Medal after an outstanding third season, could also become the third member of his family to win goal of the year after father Peter (1991) and brother Josh (2020).

His dual nominations meant Melbourne forward Bayley Fritsch’s stunning late dribble goal from the boundary against Geelong was overlooked, along with Western Bulldogs skipper Marcus Bontempelli’s one-against-three effort against Fremantle in round 14.

Voting has opened for both the goal of the year and mark of the year awards, with the winner determined by a combination of fan votes and the AFL’s All-Australian panel.

The winners of each award will receive $50,000 and have $10,000 donated to their junior football club by NAB.

The All-Australian panel’s vote could prevent one of Magpies pair Bobby Hill and Jamie Elliott from missing out with a split vote.

Elliott’s Anzac Day mark over 204cm Essendon defender Ben McKay was a consensus winner before Hill leapt over teammate Billy Frampton and Charlie Comben for a huge grab against North Melbourne in round 14.

Kangaroos first-year forward Zane Duursma also has a chance at the prize after his own soaring mark over Richmond’s Noah Balta in round 21.