Daicos turned to famous father before Anzac Day stunner

Nick Daicos knew exactly who to turn to before delivering the latest stunning performance of his meteoric rise.

Feeling moody ahead of Collingwood's Anzac Day blockbuster against Essendon, Magpies wunderkind Daicos relished some words of wisdom from famous father, club great Peter Daicos.

Days later, Daicos had an Anzac Day Medal around his neck as best-on-ground after booting two crucial final-quarter goals and racking up 40 disposals to help Collingwood to a 13-point comeback win at a packed MCG.

It underlined six weeks where last year's Rising Star elevated himself to Brownlow Medal favouritism.

"During the week Dad actually grabbed me for a chat, which was really nice," Daicos, 20, told reporters.

"He said 'as long as you're pleasing yourself and the club, they're the only two things you should focus on.' So that meant a lot to me and I'm very grateful for him for that.

"I always talk to Dad about my footy and he talks to me and gives his opinion. I'm standing in front of you today with this award because of him, he's taught me so much. 

"He frequently checks in on me and during the week it was one of those occasions, just sometimes he can notice I might be a bit moody. 

"Dad knows me better than anyone and he'll check on me, which I appreciate, like more than I can put into words."

On Tuesday Daicos racked up disposals from the opening minutes, with flashes of brilliance in between.

He had 33 disposals at three-quarter time and was among Collingwood's better players as they trailed by 28.

Then Craig McRae shuffled the magnets, put Daicos forward of the ball and the Magpies reaped the rewards.

Daicos's first goal, when he reacted first to snaffle a chance in the square, cut the deficit to 10 points.

His second, when he kicked truly on the run, put the Magpies in front by two points.

Daicos wheeled away, shushing the Essendon crowd, then got back to business, closing out the win.

"It's an amazing feeling. It's hard to explain," he said. 

"When I kicked the second one, I was in a weird situation where I really wanted to get up and about and celebrate it but I also knew the task we had at hand.

"In the last quarter just feeling us push and push and push and the fan base coming along with us, it's just so special.

"It's something I'm sure I'll cherish for so many years."

McRae hailed Daicos after his unanimous Anzac Day Medal win, citing his determination to get better.

"I've always been a Nick fan, long-time," McRae joked.

"He's been enormous for us."