Pies standout Josh Daicos admits feeling ‘sick’ after nearly overshadowing brother Nick Daicos’ remarkable 100th game display.

Collingwood standout Josh Daicos has revealed he felt “a bit sick” after conceding a free kick in the final moments that nearly jeopardised his team’s victory on Thursday night.

With just 15 seconds remaining and the Pies ahead of Carlton by six points, Daicos pushed Blues forward Talor Byrne to the ground at a stoppage, giving him a chance at goal.

If Byrne had scored, the match would have ended in a draw, but he narrowly missed, allowing the Magpies to breathe a sigh of relief.

For Josh Daicos, the situation would have been even more disheartening if Byrne had converted, especially as it was also a milestone game for his brother, Nick Daicos, marking his 100th appearance.

Nick showcased a stellar performance in his milestone match, almost single-handedly propelling Collingwood back into contention in the final quarter with 13 disposals, three centre clearances, a goal, and two goal assists.

He wrapped up the game with a total of 39 disposals, 12 ahead of any other player on the field, as the Pies clawed back from a 23-point deficit.

However, even with his heroic efforts, it would have resulted in a draw had Byrne kicked the goal, and ironically, it was his brother who committed the foul.

“Reflecting on it now, I don’t even want to see the replay. It makes me feel a bit sick just discussing it, especially after all the hard work the team put in for something like that to occur,” Daicos expressed to ABC Sport in the rooms following the match.

“I should’ve remembered he knocked into me first, and when I bumped him back, he fell. It was foolish of me. You need to maintain your composure in those moments. Players will always try to earn free kicks, and although it probably wasn’t much in it, at the end of the day, it’s a free kick by today’s standards.”

“I’m grateful he missed, and we secured the four points.”

As the older brother, Josh expressed his admiration for Nick Daicos’ performance during the comeback.

“I never tire of discussing his achievements. It’s been wonderful to reflect on his first 100 games this week. He’s like a highlight reel come to life, and when the going gets tough as it did tonight, he really steps up for us,” Josh commented.

“Playing alongside him is a privilege I truly cherish, and I’m excited for the next 100 games together.”

Nick Daicos’ early career has been nothing short of historic, finishing third, second, and second in the past three Brownlow Medal counts, while earning selection in all three All-Australian teams.

It took record polling from Patrick Cripps in 2024 and Matt Rowell in 2025 to surpass him, alongside a late-season injury in 2023 that similarly limited his chances on Brownlow night.

Looking ahead, he and Collingwood are gearing up for next Saturday’s traditional Anzac Day clash against Essendon.