Collingwood strengthened their premiership credentials with a commanding 34-point win over St Kilda on Saturday night at Marvel Stadium, but the result was overshadowed by controversy surrounding the treatment of Magpies superstar Nick Daicos.
The 2023 Brownlow contender was once again brilliant, collecting 30 disposals, five clearances, and a goal. But it was the intense tagging job by Saints midfielder Marcus Windhager that became the night’s biggest talking point. Windhager stayed glued to Daicos from the opening bounce, using persistent physical pressure—including a knee to Daicos’ leg that drew widespread criticism.
Fox Footy analyst David King didn’t mince words, calling Windhager’s tactics “a violation of the player code.” The incident added fuel to the broader debate around legal tagging and protecting marquee players from off-ball aggression.
St Kilda coach Ross Lyon didn’t shy away from the friction either, turning the spotlight on the umpires. He suggested Daicos received favourable treatment early in the match, questioning the consistency of decisions under pressure. “We want the umpires to be fair, not influenced by names,” Lyon said.
Collingwood coach Craig McRae defended his young star, praising Daicos’ composure and hinting that opponents may need to rethink their approach. “If you’re going to tag and still get beaten by 34 points, maybe it’s not the right strategy,” McRae quipped.
The venue also raised eyebrows among fans, with some questioning why the match—a supposed home fixture for Collingwood—was played at St Kilda’s Marvel Stadium.
The win keeps Collingwood on top of the ladder, while the Saints continue to flounder amid inconsistent form. But more than just points were at stake. This clash has reignited conversations about fairness, sportsmanship, and the grey areas of modern AFL tactics.
