BREAKING NEWS: Collingwood Star Nick Daicos Suspended from AFL Activities Following Positive Drug Test
Melbourne, VIC – September 9, 2025
In a major shock to the AFL community, Collingwood Football Club has confirmed that star defender and Brownlow Medal contender Nick Daicos has been suspended from all football-related activities after returning a positive test for a banned substance.
The suspension, announced jointly by the AFL Integrity Unit and the Collingwood Football Club on Monday evening, comes just weeks before the finals series and has rocked both the club and supporters across the league.
According to the AFL’s official statement, the banned substance was detected during routine in-season testing. While the substance has not yet been officially named due to ongoing investigations, it is believed to fall under the performance-enhancing drug (PED) category on the WADA (World Anti-Doping Agency) prohibited list.
Club and League React Swiftly
“This is a deeply disappointing day for our football club,” said Collingwood CEO Craig Kelly during an urgent press conference. “Nick has been a shining light for us — not only for his on-field brilliance but for the way he has carried himself as a young leader. However, we fully support the AFL’s drug policy and understand the seriousness of this matter.”
The club confirmed that Daicos will be stood down immediately pending further investigation, and will not participate in training, team meetings, or matchday activities until further notice.
Daicos Issues Public Statement
Just hours after the announcement, the 22-year-old released a statement via his management agency:
“I want to take full responsibility for my actions. I made a mistake — one I deeply regret. I understand the consequences and accept the suspension. I would never intentionally try to cheat the game I love. I apologise to my teammates, the club, the AFL, and most importantly, the fans who have supported me since day one.”
Daicos also hinted that the substance may have been ingested unknowingly through a supplement taken during recovery from a recent injury, but did not deflect blame.
“Ultimately, what goes into my body is my responsibility. This has been a harsh lesson, and I will learn from it.”
Fallout for Collingwood’s Premiership Hopes
The timing could not be worse for the reigning premiers. With Collingwood firmly in the top four and preparing for another deep finals run, Daicos’ absence will be a massive blow. The dynamic defender has been in All-Australian form, averaging 30 disposals per game and playing a key role in Collingwood’s elite ball movement from the backline.
Head coach Craig McRae addressed the media after training:
“Nick is like a son to many of us here. This hurts. But we have to move forward — the team is bigger than any one player. Others will have to step up, and we believe in the depth of our group.”
Expect Brayden Maynard, John Noble, and Oleg Markov to absorb Daicos’ responsibilities in the short term, though few players can replicate his combination of speed, footy IQ, and composure under pressure.
AFL Integrity Unit Statement
The AFL Integrity Unit has launched a full investigation into the matter and is working with ASADA (Australian Sports Anti-Doping Authority) to determine the circumstances surrounding the positive test.
AFL General Counsel Stephen Meade issued a brief comment:
“The AFL remains committed to protecting the integrity of our game. The anti-doping code exists to ensure fairness and safety for all players. While these matters are always unfortunate, they demonstrate that our systems are working as intended.”
Daicos is facing a potential two-year suspension, depending on whether the substance was taken intentionally or deemed accidental through contaminated supplements.
Public and Player Reactions
The news has triggered strong reactions across the AFL community. Social media was flooded with a mix of shock, sympathy, and criticism — a testament to Daicos’ high profile and rapid rise to stardom since debuting in 2022.
Several current and former players took to social media to weigh in.
Former teammate Scott Pendlebury posted:
“Tough day. Love ya mate. Own it. Grow from it. Come back better.”
While Geelong great Joel Selwood added on SEN Radio:
“The Nick I know is a hard-working, humble kid. This is a setback, but it doesn’t have to define his career.”
What Happens Next?
Daicos will now go through the AFL’s standard anti-doping tribunal process, where he will have the opportunity to present his case and potentially reduce the length of the suspension depending on the level of fault.
Meanwhile, Collingwood must rally as they head into finals without one of their most impactful players. The question on every Pies fan’s mind: can the Magpies go back-to-back without their most electrifying talent?
Whatever happens next, one thing is clear — this incident will be a defining chapter in both Nick Daicos’ career and Collingwood’s 2025 season.
This is a developing story. More details will follow as the investigation unfolds.
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