The landscape of Australian Rules Football media coverage is shifting, with Collingwood star Nick Daicos poised to fill the shoes of Brisbane Lions captain Lachie Neale on Fox Footy’s AFL 360 program. Neale, navigating a turbulent off-season following his relinquishing of the Lions co-captaincy, has reportedly stepped back from his media commitments, opening the door for Daicos to make his debut as a regular commentator.
The news, first reported on Wednesday, , has sent ripples through the AFL world, with fans expressing excitement at the prospect of seeing one of the league’s brightest talents offer insights from the other side of the broadcast desk. Daicos, already a dominant force on the field, will join a rotating cast of AFL personalities on AFL 360, including Zach Merrett, Harry McKay, Patrick Dangerfield, and Toby Greene.
Garry Lyon, co-host of AFL 360, revealed the acquisition of Daicos, explaining that he had successfully persuaded the young star to take on the role. “He’s the most sought-after player in the game, so clearly it took some decent persuading to get him across the line,” Lyon said. He further alluded to a playful incentive, joking that he “threatened he’d never represent the big V again if he didn’t take part!” The “big V” refers to the Victorian State of Origin team, where Lyon and Daicos recently collaborated.
The move comes at a complex time for Lachie Neale. After a stellar career with the Brisbane Lions, including a Brownlow Medal in 2020, Neale has recently stepped down as co-captain, with Hugh McCluggage and Josh Dunkley joining Harris Andrews in leadership roles for the 2026 season. This leadership change, coupled with personal challenges, appears to have prompted Neale to reassess his commitments, leading to his decision to step away from regular appearances on AFL 360.
While the specifics of Neale’s “turbulent off-season” remain largely undisclosed, the decision to prioritize personal space and focus on his game is understandable. The demands of professional football are already significant, and adding regular media appearances can amplify the pressures faced by elite athletes.
Daicos’s entry into the media landscape represents a significant opportunity for both the player and the network. His popularity and on-field success translate to a built-in audience, and his fresh perspective could inject new energy into AFL coverage. Lyon expressed optimism about Daicos’s potential, stating that he’s initially committed to “a handful of spots” with the possibility of extending his involvement if he enjoys the experience.
The reaction on social media has been overwhelmingly positive, with fans eager to hear Daicos’s analysis and insights. The Collingwood phenom’s ability to translate his on-field brilliance into compelling commentary remains to be seen, but the anticipation is palpable. The question now is whether Daicos can prove to be as captivating off the field as he is on it.
Harris Andrews, the Brisbane Lions captain, recently spoke about the transition within the Lions’ leadership group, highlighting the qualities of McCluggage and Dunkley. “’Dunks’ obviously sets the example by his actions,” Andrews said. “He does the small things well and leads the way out on the field with his defensive work and hunger, and he lives by really good standards off the field.” Andrews’ comments underscore the Lions’ commitment to a strong leadership structure as they navigate the 2026 season without Neale at the helm.
The changing of the guard at AFL 360 and within the Brisbane Lions leadership group signals a period of transition in the AFL. While Neale’s departure from the media spotlight marks the end of a chapter, Daicos’s arrival promises a new and exciting voice in the world of Australian Rules Football commentary. The 2026 season is shaping up to be one of change and opportunity, both on and off the field.
