NICK DAICOS’ BROWNLOW NIGHT
Last night, it always felt like it was going to be Nick Daicos’ night.
The Collingwood superstar arrived at Crown Palladium with girlfriend Arlette Amor by his side, and while all eyes were on the Brownlow favourite, Amor delivered her own red-carpet moment.
Looking goddess-like in a dramatic backless Effie Kats gown with a sweeping train, styled by Millie Arnold, Arlette spoke to Melbourne My Style about the man behind the footballer — and just how well he handles the pressure.
“Nick, he’s very calm and collected. I’m sure he’s nervous on the inside, but he’s good at not showing it. Nick is always good under pressure,” Arlette told me.
She wasn’t wrong.
Daicos walked the carpet with the quiet confidence and humility that has become part of his trademark. Hours later, the 23-year-old was holding the 2026 Brownlow Medal after a history-making night.
Daicos polled an extraordinary 47 votes, finishing 11 clear of Geelong superstar Bailey Smith on 36 and surpassing Patrick Cripps’ previous single-season record of 45.
But amid the celebrations, one of Daicos’ most touching acknowledgements was reserved for Arlette.
He thanked his partner for keeping him grounded, helping him step away from football when needed and reminding him that other things in life matter too.
Daicos also revealed an insight into how he manages the enormous expectations surrounding him. An admitted overthinker, he journals for around 20 minutes most nights, using the ritual to reset his mind before starting another day.
And then came a little Carlton humour.
Growing up, Daicos admitted he was in awe of champions Marc Murphy and Chris Judd — but there was no way he was ever going to be a Blue.
The black and white was simply in his blood.
The son of Collingwood legend Peter Daicos has spent his young career carrying one of football’s most famous surnames. Last night, he added another piece of history to it.
At just 23, Nick Daicos is a Brownlow Medallist — and a record breaker.
From Arlette predicting his trademark composure on the red carpet to Daicos standing on stage with football’s highest individual honour only hours later, the night had the feeling of something inevitable.
It was always meant to be Nick Daicos’ night.
By Melinda Sullivan.
