Daicos entertained and amazed spectators as few other players have done. Possessed of extraordinary skills and uncanny awareness, he regularly did things which footballing mortals could only dream about.
Everybody remembers the Daicos goals, and each of us has a favourite; the miracle against West Coast in 1990, the preposterous boundary line snap against Richmond at Vic Park in ’91, the handball-and-run over Ian Nankervis at VFL Park, the goal against Brisbane from the behind post, the first goal in the 1990 grand final … the list is endless.
But Daicos left other memories too. The seasons spent in the midfield that brought two Copeland Trophies. The brilliant evasive skills that allowed him to spin and baulk out of the tightest spots, and create space where there seemed to be none. And his control of the oval ball, which had to be seen to be believed.
Peter Daicos was a footballing magician, and all of us who saw him play should be grateful we were given that chance.
Career Statistics
1961-
Career span: 1979-93
Games: 250
Goals: 549
Position: Centre, half forward
Honours: Copeland Trophy 1982, 1988; Leading goalkicker 1981, 1982, 1990, 1991; Reserves best and fairest 1979; Vice captain 1990-1991; Deputy Vice Captain 1988, 1989; Special award for services to the club 1985; Life member
Playing stats: 184 cms, 84 kgs
Peter Daicos was inducted to the Collingwood Football Club Hall of Fame in 2002.
