Nick Daicos during the 2022 AFL Round 1 match between St Kilda and Collingwood (Photo by Cameron Grimes / Zero Digital Media)

Nick Daicos is continuing to impress in his debut season, earning the praise of Collingwood coach Craig McRae for his performance in the Pies' win over Adelaide on Sunday.

Daicos, who was drafted with pick 4 in the 2021 AFL draft, has barely put a foot wrong in his debut campaign, playing all 17 games for the Pies.

The 19-year-old's Round 18 performance was yet another stellar effort, collecting 40 disposals and three goals in a late shift forward.

“It just seems to be going to another level,” McRae said on the young star post-match.

“He’s had 40 today and kicked three … he’s a first-year player, it’s unbelievable.

“Nick’s having an outstanding season and it just seems to be getting better and better every week.

“I haven’t seen (a first year like it) and he’s just doing it in different ways too.”

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 06: Lachie Whitfield of the Giants and Nick Daicos of the Magpies compete for the ball during the AFL AAMI Community Series match between the Greater Western Sydney Giants and the Collingwood Magpies at GIANTS Stadium on March 06, 2022 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)

McRae also touched on another young star, Jack Ginnivan, who was seemingly not rewarded with a free kick for high contact at several points throughout the match. Ginnivan, who was held to just one goal in the 5-point win, has attracted attention for his ability to draw polarising free kicks, but McRae stuck by his young forward.

“My message to Jack just after the game is that I just want him to keep attacking the footy hard and what comes of it, whether it’s a high tackle or a holding the ball, keep attacking the ball,” he said.

McRae didn't comment on whether or not he thought the umpires were officiating the 19-year-old differently in the wake of media commentary on the rising star.

“We don’t make excuses, we don’t look for blame, umpires make mistakes and get some right and some wrong," McRae said.

“I don’t really want to play the blame game or excuse game."