Collingwood coach Craig McRae has sung the praises of father-son recruit Nick Daicos after the teenager's outstanding AFL debut in the win over St Kilda.
Daicos, the son of club legend Peter Daicos, entered the match under an intense spotlight and was targeted by the Saints early in Friday night's contest at Marvel Stadium.
He was made to pay for an early mistake when an errant kick led to Mason Wood's opening goal.
But the 19-year-old rose above the pressure, gathering 27 disposals and using his superb kicking skills to his advantage.
Daicos had long been regarded as an elite junior talent and justified the Pies' decision to hand him a round-one debut.
"Nick's an elite decision maker and kicker, and it's just nice to do that in an AFL game," McRae said.
"You can do that in practice games, but to do that in front of a crowd and with the opposition trying to take things away from you, that's really pleasing for him."
Daicos showed his maturity when he refused to be put off by the Saints' physical approach early in the match.
"That was always going to come. If I was coaching against him, I'd be doing the same thing," McRae said.
"He's a pretty cool and calm young man, so his character is there for everyone to see."
Daicos wasn't the only young star who caught McRae's eye in the 17-point victory.
Jack Ginnivan and Oliver Henry both stepped up to boot important goals in the final quarter after the Saints had fought back from almost six goals down to snatch the lead.
"Those moments for us as young group, we've got to really revel in them and make sure we highlight them," McRae said.
Collingwood will look to extend their winning start to life under McRae when they host Adelaide at the MCG in round two.
McRae expects both Mason Cox (ribs) and Darcy Moore (neck) to be available after both received treatment for minor injuries against St Kilda.
