Brothers Face Off in AFL Preliminary Final: Daicos vs. Ashcroft

Melbourne, Australia — The AFL preliminary final between Collingwood and Brisbane is set to showcase two of the league’s brightest young stars, Nick Daicos and Will Ashcroft, both accompanied by their brothers on the field.

Collingwood forward Nick Daicos, just 22, is having an extraordinary career start, aiming for individual accolades including a potential Brownlow Medal in this, his 95th game. His impact has changed the way Collingwood plays since moving into the midfield, boasting impressive agility and strength in contests.

“He’s tough when it matters, and he rarely slips up,” Collingwood coach Craig McRae stated. “He has really become a pivotal part of our team.”

Meanwhile, Brisbane midfielder Will Ashcroft is also making waves in his short career, recovering impressively from a serious knee injury to establish himself as one of the top emerging talents. Ashcroft, 21, has averaged 26.2 disposals in six finals appearances, marginally ahead of Daicos’s 25.7 match average.

“When the stakes are higher, Will steps up,” Brisbane coach Chris Fagan said. “He shows poise and determination, especially in high-pressure situations.”

Each of these players follows in the footsteps of their famous fathers. Nick’s dad, Peter Daicos, is a legendary figure at Collingwood, while Will’s father, Marcus Ashcroft, played over 300 games for Brisbane and helped the club secure multiple premierships.

On the Saturday of the final, both sets of brothers will not just compete as teammates but also battle against each other on the field. The rivalry adds anticipation to an already historic matchup.

Brisbane will look to build on their momentum, having won their last encounter against Collingwood by 27 points in round 21. Conversely, the Magpies are hungry for victory, bolstered by the support of their veteran players and the expectation of a large crowd at the MCG.

In the lead-up to the game, the question remains: which duo will thrive under pressure and help their team secure a spot in the grand final?