Collingwood star Nick Daicos has spoken on the evolution of his ability to play forward where he has been given more exposure in 2026.
Daicos has averaged 35 disposals and kicked 20 goals, his equal best alongside 2023 with six home and away games remaining.
He has been a lightning rod for a forward group which lacks a clear figurehead at important junctures throughout 2026.
"I don't really reflect too much during the season, I like to wait until the season's done but I feel like my game's definitely growing," Daicos said on AFL 360.
"I feel like the ability to go forward and do some damage playing like Toby (Greene) one-out is good fun and adding a string to my bow. I'm continually trying to evolve as a player and defensively, I'm trying to match the amount I run offensively with defensive output.
"A few of us have the licence to go and play deep and with Jamie Elliott going deep, we've spread the load with players going forward. We're missing him greatly but it has been a good opportunity for others to step up too."
Daicos put leadership on the radar as an area he is looking to grow in.
Captain Darcy Moore has played just four games this season due to injury, with Daicos and co-vice captain Brayden Maynard stepping up to fill the void.
"I feel like I'm constantly pushing the boundaries with where I can take my game and I don't feel like it's complete, I feel like there's a lot of holes in my game and even my strengths, try to make them real strength. And my leadership is something I'm trying to take to another level," Daicos added.
"I've seen Brayden Maynard alongside me at the moment who's doing an unbelievable job and he's really inspiring for me too. There's a lot of areas in my game I'm trying to work on."
He also straight-batted questions about his health after receiving extensive massaging in Friday night's victory over North Melbourne.
"Body's feeling really good. A bit of a lighter week on the track this week and a couple of extra days off heading into Carlton with the eight-day break," he said.
"That happens most weeks where you're just trying to flush out some of the running you've done throughout the game."
