Jonathan Brown's staggering Nick Daicos call amid Brownlow Medal race after 'ridiculous' MCG scenes

AFL great Jonathan Brown has questioned whether Collingwood were going to boost Nick Daicos' stats to secure him three Brownlow Medal votes after the game was delayed in 'ridiculous' scenes at the MCG. The Magpies defeated Melbourne by 46 points at the MCG in front of a sporadic crowd that braved the cold as the AFL match was delayed due to lightning with a few minutes to go.

Both Collingwood and Melbourne were only moments away from ending their season in disappointment at the MCG as the siren approached when they were forced off the field. With 9:31 minutes left, the game was suspended due to the severe weather as players looked perplexed.

Most viewers and fans at the ground had no issue with the players going off to avoid the lightning. This could also result in fans seeking shelter during the mandatory 20 minute delay.

The players had to wait out the disruption before returning on the field at 10.23pm to finish their season in a whimper. And this left fans baffled to why the game continued. Many claimed the captains should have the power to call off the contest if such a delay occurs and nothing is at stake.

However, there was something at stake for the individuals. Lions great Brown questioned whether the Magpies would use the time to make sure Brownlow Medal hopeful Daicos would receive all three votes. Brown asked whether Craig McRae would instruct players to give Daicos as much time with the ball as possible.

“Is this the perfect opportunity for Craig McRae to say ‘let’s just fill Nick Daicos’ boots, let’s make sure he gets the three (Brownlow votes),” Brown said on Fox Sports commentary. “(Give him) absolute certainty, give him another 10 (disposals) in junk time … make sure of it. A bit like Muhammad Ali late in the rounds, he used to jump all over his opponent in the last 20 seconds so he’d get the judges scorecard for that round.”

However, it was hard to argue Daicos already had a certain three points. Jordan Lewis claimed: “He’s got the three votes already.” Regardless, Daicos finished with 40 disposals and nine clearances. His brother Josh Daicos finished with 40 touches of the ball and could be a shot at three points.

Patrick Cripps was the favourite to win the Brownlow Medal after his 'Superman-like' performance last week, but he may need another three points to feel comfortable heading into the awards night. Fans admitted the race for the individual award will be close with many feeling Daicos secured three points in a dead-rubber contest. Others claimed the match should have been called off and the points awarded to Collingwood instead of returning to the field.

Kysaiah Pickett in trouble for Darcy Moore challenge

While the game had little consequence on the AFL season, Magpies captain Moore was left concussed after a brutal hit from Pickett. The Melbourne firebrand came across and bumped Moore when the two contested for the ball. However, it appears Pickett had eyes for Moore and wasn't too interested in winning the ball.

RELATED:

• Collingwood's defiant response after shock Brendan Fevola 'rumour'

• Matthew Nicks responds after comment towards Ken Hinkley revealed

Braydon Maynard immediately grabbed Pickett as he fired up over the high bump. Pickett was suspended for Melbourne's first game of this season after hit hit on Patrick Cripps in the 2023 semi-final loss to Carlton. And the 23-year-old could be set to miss the first game of the 2025 season after the ugly tackle.

"I haven't seen it, I've only spoken to a few people, I'm sure that will get looked at throughout the week," Demons coach Simon Goodwin said of Pickett's hit. "I'm pretty sure Darcy Moore stayed out on the field and played on for a period of time ... so we'll wait and see how that plays out."