- Was overlooked for EJ Whitten Medal won by Lachie Ash
Eddie McGuire has declared he will ‘bring his own medal’ for Nick Daicos after the Collingwood superstar missed out on best on ground in the revived AFL State of Origin clash.
Victoria defeated Western Australia 18.17 (125) to 15.11 (101) in front of 58,141 fans at Optus Stadium on Saturday night, but much of the post-match discussion centred on who should have claimed the prestigious EJ Whitten Medal.
Lachie Ash was named the official winner after collecting 25 disposals and 498 metres gained, with the selection panel praising his impact when the match was under pressure.
But many believed Daicos, who finished with 38 disposals, seven clearances and a goal, was the standout performer on the ground.
‘Nick Daicos gets the 2nd highest disposals in a state of origin game, leads the clearances, makes 7 tackles, kicks a goal, nah let’s give it to a half back flanker,’ one fan posted.
Another said: ‘Not saying Lachie Ash played a bad game last night, but even the AFL website had Nick Daicos at number one best player on the ground.’
Former Collingwood president Eddie Maguire was incensed that Nick Daicos was not named best on ground in the return of AFL State of Origin
The Collingwood star had 38 touches and a goal in an influential showing at Optus Stadium in Perth
And McGuire made it clear where he stood.
‘I’m going to bring my own medal and present it to Nick before the game and then everyone else can play for the rest,’ he told News Corp.
The former Collingwood president doubled down with a tongue-in-cheek comparison that raised eyebrows.
‘It’s a bit like the Cleo Bachelor of the Year or Australian Idol … the real stars are the runner-up.’
McGuire revealed he had been sitting near Ted Whitten during the match and believed Daicos’ name was expected to be called.
‘The funny thing is I sat next to Ted Whitten all night and he was expecting to say Nick at the end.
‘We were calling him ‘EJ’ in the stands.’
The comments added fuel to an already heated debate among fans, with social media lighting up within minutes of the medal announcement.
Some praised the panel for looking beyond pure possession numbers, while others insisted Daicos or Marcus Bontempelli were clear best on ground.
Victoria coach Chris Scott defended the unanimous decision, saying Ash’s influence came when the contest was at its fiercest.
‘We had Lachie in a group with Daicos, Butters and Bontempelli,’ Scott said.
‘But in the end we thought when the game was really hot and we were under pressure, that Lachie was the most influential.’
