Daicos milestone magic serves up ton of pain for Blues

Oliver Caffrey | April 16, 2026

Carlton have blown another final-quarter lead, run down by arch-enemies Collingwood in a five-point thriller, placing further heat on Blues coach Michael Voss.

Leading by 18 points at three-quarter time at the MCG on Thursday, the Blues’ buffer evaporated within the first three minutes of the final term in familiar fashion.

After managing just six goals in the first three quarters, the Magpies suddenly found their scoring mojo with five majors in six minutes, through an inspired performance by Nick Daicos in his 100th game.

The Collingwood superstar produced one of the most memorable quarters of his already stellar career, dragging the Magpies to their third win of the season, 13.10 (88) to 12.11 (83).

But Carlton had an opportunity after the siren to secure a draw, with teenager Talor Byrne given a free kick about 40m out after being pushed to the ground by Josh Daicos.

Byrne narrowly missed the shot, Carlton’s second failed after-the-siren attempt in three seasons against the Magpies.

Nick Daicos had 14 disposals, four clearances, two goal assists and a crucial major of his own in a final quarter that will live long in the memories of Magpie fans.

The 23-year-old Brownlow Medal favourite finished with 39 possessions to celebrate his milestone match in style and collect the Richard Pratt Medal as best-on-ground.

In an added blow for the Blues, spearhead Harry McKay suffered a head knock when he was collected by Harry Perryman’s attempted spoil in the last quarter.

McKay has a history of head knocks, with Carlton later confirming a concussion – his third in four seasons.

The one-time Coleman Medallist will miss next Saturday night’s daunting road trip to Optus Stadium to play premiership contenders Fremantle.

Slumping to 1-5, Carlton have lost four times already this season after leading at halftime.

Pressure on Voss had subsided after a competitive performance against Adelaide in Gather Round, but blowing another winning position in the second half places his job in serious jeopardy.

“You can have a lot of good process and good method, but ultimately it comes down to small periods of the game,” Voss said.

“It can come down to small moments. 

“Collingwood took theirs, and we didn’t take ours.”

It continues Collingwood’s recent domination of Carlton, marking an eighth win in their past nine clashes.

In what was a poorly skilled match for three quarters, Carlton ace Sam Walsh impressed as he often followed Nick Daicos around.

On the other end of the spectrum, Carlton’s Elijah Hollands failed to tally a disposal despite playing 60 per cent of the game.

Young ruckman Oscar Steene proved critical in Collingwood’s early surge in the final quarter with his impressive work in the centre square.

Steene was preferred to reigning Collingwood best-and-fairest winner Darcy Cameron as the first-choice ruckman early in the final term.

Collingwood have nine days off before their traditional Anzac Day blockbuster against Essendon, allowing them to regain Jordan De Goey (concussion) and possibly Steele Sidebottom (hip).

“I’m really proud of the last quarter,” Magpies coach Craig McRae said.

“I sat in Adelaide after the game last week and said we didn’t manage the moments. 

“Here we are being lucky for a moment at the end. 

“But I don’t think that ultimately is our story … we’re taking a step forward, looking more like us.”