Collingwood coach Craig McRae would love to see Billy Frampton named in the All-Australian squad after watching the unheralded defender do his finest work in a gutsy 19-point win over West Coast in Perth.
The Magpies entered Sunday's match having made five changes following the forced withdrawals of Scott Pendlebury (corked calf), Jordan De Goey (glute), Jeremy Howe (fractured arm), Harry Perryman (hamstring) and Patrick Lipinski (calf).
That was on top of key players Darcy Moore (hamstring), Jamie Elliott (knee) and Brayden Maynard (knee/hamstring) already being out of the side.
It meant Collingwood arrived in Perth with one of the least experienced sides they've fielded in years.
Nick Daicos was the ultimate hero with 39 disposals, 10 clearances, 12 score involvements, 722m gained, two goal assists and a goal to further tighten his grip on the Brownlow Medal.
But Frampton's efforts in defence were also critical, with his shutdown roles on Cooper Duff-Tytler and Jack Williams, plus his ability to help his younger teammates, proving crucial.
His efforts didn't go unnoticed.
McRae said the 29-year-old's display in Collingwood's 17.15 (117) to 15.8 (98) win was "probably the pinnacle" of what had been a "great" season for him.
"It was one of his best games, and I'm just so proud of him the way he's just attacking the contest," McRae said.
"He just looks ferocious. There's so many times in that third quarter when it was going down there and he was just the guy.
"Normally he's got Howe and Darcy Moore next to him.
"But (now) he's got Liam Puncher playing his (sixth) game, and he's got Noah Howes playing his first game."
Asked if Frampton should be in the All-Australian extended squad, McRae replied: "Yeah, that'd be great recognition.
"I don't watch all the others that play similar roles. But value to our team - he's an All-Australian squad member for sure."
"You can't stop the kid!"
— AFL (@AFL) August 9, 2026
Nick Daicos is SO CLASSY🤩@Coles| #AFLEaglesPies pic.twitter.com/mIOENYrSqm
Star Collingwood duo De Goey and Pendlebury are no guarantees to return for Saturday night's blockbuster clash with Hawthorn at the MCG.
The Magpies (12-8-1) have now locked in a berth in the AFL's new wildcard round as a minimum.
"It's a new concept. I don't know if I love it or hate it," McRae said.
"But we're in it, and right now our form warrants to be part of something like that.
"Our brand stacks up, and now we're officially qualified for what's next, but still with our eye on the prize with two weeks to go."
If Collingwood can beat premiership contenders Hawthorn and Brisbane in the final two rounds, they would have a chance to snare a top-six berth and avoid the wildcard round altogether.
