Nick Daicos, expected to be one of the best players in the AFL, had the harshest order. In Round 8 against Geelong it was true. Fresh faced Cat Oisin Mullin did a great job of limiting the impact of Daicos, especially in that last quarter. The younger Daicos finished with 38 disposals and a goal to his name. The fact that he only had three touches in that last quarter raised huge questions about tagging strategies across the league.
During the game, Mullin followed Daicos like a hawk, putting his impressive body, discipline, and skills on display. By three-quarter time Daicos had accumulated 25 disposals. He was named as one of the five best players on the field. In an important moment of the game, Daicos conceded a free kick. He even earned a 50-meter penalty for misconduct, prompting questions about his ability to manage pressure.
It was a coaching decision by Geelong’s coach Chris Scott not to lift the tag on Daicos, a bet that would pay huge dividends. In the last quarter, Mullin’s rough and relentless defense stalled Daicos’ game-changing abilities. Without a strict plan of attack, as former player and current commentator Kane Cornes preached, you’ll be dancing with the devil. He explained that although Daicos isn’t stoppable for four quarters, there are pivotal times in games where he can actually be stopped.
“There is a myth in football, and the myth is that you can’t tag Nick Daicos. You absolutely can.” – Kane Cornes
In recent games, Daicos has shown his ability to defeat tags from elite opposition such as Lachie Neale and Hugh McCluggage. This featured a stunning game in Round 6 against Brisbane. The performance further cemented him as the Brownlow Medal favorite in only his fourth AFL season. Cornes further raised this double standard when discussing the most productive ways in which to limit Daicos’ impact.
Even Riewoldt’s sister, channeling all his explosive speed, personally to weigh in on Daicos’ new playing style.
“He gets you with his burst of speed. He is unlike any other midfielder in the game.” – Nick Riewoldt
Riewoldt said typical defenders need to start thinking two or three moves ahead with Daicos. Just going stride for stride with him isn’t going to do it.
“Standing on him and thinking you’ve got him covered is not enough; you have got to be anticipating when he takes off and goes and go with him.” – Nick Riewoldt
With every round that goes by during this AFL season, coaches will have to adjust their plans when playing against the Magpies’ superstar. His performance would make for an interesting TEDx talk for clubs seeking to fit Daicos in a box.
