Nick Daicos Targets Premier Return as Collingwood’s Opening Round Star

Collingwood’s superstar forward, Nick Daicos, is set to make his debut for the Magpies in the 2025 AAMI Community Series Opening Round clash against the Giants, despite an ongoing foot issue that he has been dealing with during the pre-season.

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Daicos Overcomes Foot Flare-Up with Club Support

The 22-year-old midfielder has been coping with plantar fasciitis in his foot, a condition that has seen him on a modified training regimen in the lead-up to the season.

Daicos’s resilience and skill were on full display last year when he earned his second All-Australian blazer, cementing his status as one of the AFL’s rising stars.

Despite the setback, Daicos remains optimistic about his recovery. “I had a bit of a foot flare-up, but the club’s managed it really well,” he told AFL Media’s Cal Twomey. “We’re slowly building up as we have a bit of time on our side. I’m trying to rush them and get back into match play, but they’ve managed it really well and I’m feeling confident.”

Daicos is scheduled to make his season debut against the Giants, demonstrating his fitness and readiness. “Yeah I’ll be there for Opening Round—I’m sure. It’s tracking really well, and I’ve got some things to tick off like practice matches, but it’s all looking good,” he said.

The player, who played every game last year, expressed his current physical state. “I’ve been excited to build my running back up again, but it’s okay, feeling a little bit unfit and blowing a little bit, but it’s good to get back into it and it’ll come back quickly. The main thing is my body is feeling good, so I’m excited.”

Sam Powell-Pepper Also on the mend

Another key player making progress in his recovery is Port Adelaide forward Sam Powell-Pepper, who suffered an ACL injury during Round Six last season and did not play in 2024.

Powell-Pepper has been working tirelessly on his rehabilitation. “It’s been close to ten months now,” he told reporters. “It was just countless hours in the gym, on the bike, and not being able to get out there and just do a basic warm-up. I’m definitely grateful for everything now, even just basically warming up. Not being a part of it is just something that I’m missed quite a bit.”

Power forward Sam Powell-Pepper is on track for involvement in contact training next week. He aims to make his return in Port Adelaide’s trial game against Adelaide on February 21, an important milestone for any player recovering from a serious injury.

His return to the field will mark a significant boost to the Port Adelaide Roos’ forward line, which will also be bolstered by the talents of Jack Lukosius, Joe Richards, and draftee Joe Berry. Their combined efforts could reshape the forward set-up under coach Ken Hinkley.

Excitement Builds Ahead of Season Opener

The anticipation for the 2025 AAMI Community Series builds as these high-profile players prepare for their respective opening round matches. Nick Daicos and Sam Powell-Pepper will look to redefine their places in the AFL landscape, showing that resilience and determination can overcome even significant injuries.

Stay tuned for more updates on their progress as the season draws closer and excitement for these AFL stars continues to grow.

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