Collingwood considering change to Copeland Trophy voting system after surprise Nick Daicos result
Collingwood are considering changing their best and fairest voting system after Brownlow Medal runner-up Nick Daicos came second in the Magpies’ Copeland Trophy to Darcy Cameron.
Cameron had a career-best season in 2025, earning All-Australian squad selection and running second only Melbourne ruck Max Gawn for a spot in the final 22.
But his Copeland Trophy win was still a shock, given the dominance of Daicos, who many thought would be a certainty for the Brownlow until he was pipped by Gold Coast’s Matt Rowell.
Sign up to The Nightly's newsletters.
Get the first look at the digital newspaper, curated daily stories and breaking headlines delivered to your inbox.
By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.Cameron won the Magpies’ top gong on 328 votes, 13 clear of Daicos on 315, while Isaac Quaynor, Jamie Elliott and Harry Perryman rounded out the top five.
Collingwood’s current best and fairest voting system sees five coaches give votes between zero and four to each player for every game, for a maximum of 20 per game.
Speaking on Wednesday, Collingwood coach Craig McRae said the process will be looked at.
“The process is in place, but I always want to challenge them,” the 2023 premiership coach said.
“I think Darcy Cameron is a great winner, but I’d look at the process and there were times where I think Nick probably could’ve got more votes here and there.
“I’ll make sure, with the position I’m in, that I’ll be able to ask the right questions of the right people and make the necessary changes where we think there need to be.”
McRae raised eyebrows on the night of the Copeland Trophy when he made a joke about the Brownlow Medal.
A storm of criticism towards the umpires erupted when Rowell was awarded three votes for games in which he recorded just 16 and 17 disposals.
McRae poked fun at that, suggesting Daicos should have had more 16-disposal games if he wanted to win the Brownlow, which backfired when the Magpies midfielder didn’t even win his own club’s top award.
“Maybe a few more 16 disposal games might get you there next year,” McRae said on-stage to Daicos.
Needless to say, Gold Coast was one of the first to take aim at McRae, sharing a picture of the quote, the coach, and Collingwood’s votes on social media.
“This aged soooo well,” the club said, mocking McRae with a laughing emoji.
Originally published on 7NEWS Sport
