Raging Brownlow Medal favourite and Collingwood vice-captain Nick Daicos has signed off on his club's 'topping up' list management model, as the club circle forward former Coleman Medallist Jesse Hogan and legendary Lion, Lachie Neale.
The Pies' list management strategy is one of the most scrutinised in the league, with the club's reticence to head to the draft, in favour of acquiring established talent, often drawing the ire of pundits.
Speaking to Nine's Sunday Footy Show, Daicos was supportive of the club's most recent rumoured acquisitions.
"I think as a player, you never want to be rebuilding, and spending those years where you're not competing in finals," Daicos said.
"Of course, some teams have to do that, that's just the nature of the game and the evolution that does happen.
"I think our football club has been big on wanting to compete every single year. I have great belief in our list, and I think anyone is good enough, if we can keep developing our players, and play a game style that gets the most out of those players.
"Jesse Hogan won the Coleman two years ago, and Lachie Neale is probably the best contested player of the last 15 years, so no doubt they'll add a lot to us, and we've also got to set them up to succeed.
"We've had recruits in the past that have had to adjust to our game style, so we have to ensure that we allow these players to thrive."
"As a player, you never want to be rebuilding and spending those years where you're not competing in finals."
Nick Daicos on why he backs Collingwood's list strategy with Lachie Neale and Jesse Hogan set to join the club for next season.#9AFLSFS | Watch on 9 & 9Now 🖥️ pic.twitter.com/BH6otEs8KI
— Footy on Nine (@FootyonNine) September 13, 2026
Daicos also handed departing stalwart Scott Pendlebury his flowers, with their 'master and apprentice' dynamic coming to an end after five seasons.
Daicos has been the beneficiary of Pendlebury's remarkable footballing brain for all five of his seasons to date, and was captained by the 38-year-old in his debut season of 2022.
The two-time AFLPA MVP lauded Pendlebury as the club's "greatest ever player" as he makes for greener pastures in the Sunshine State.
"I was surprised, to be honest. He's obviously probably the greatest Pie ever," Daicos said.
"It's unfortunate that we'll lose him but he's been such a great role model for all of us, and it's just been a privilege to play with him for five years. I think it's a great get by (the) Gold Coast - I think he's still got great footy ahead of him, and I've also been lucky enough to experience how good of a coach he is, too.
"No doubt he'll be awesome up on the "Goldy", I think he's looking forward to some sunshine, and I look forward to playing against him."
