Nick Daicos named in top 10 of ‘worst' list as Champion Data reveals best kick in the AFL

7NEWS

15-05-2025

Collingwood superstar Nick Daicos is widely regraded as the best player in the AFL, but he among the worst kicks in the competition.
That's according to the AFL's official stats Champion Data, who have compiled the best and worst kicks from the opening nine rounds of the season.
Champion Data's 'kick rating' takes into the account the type of kick taken by the player, assessing its difficulty and being judged on whether it hits the target.
Daicos seems to rarely miss a target, but according to the stats gurus, he is ranked 10th for worst kicks in the AFL.
Champion Data's Daniel Hoyne explained why Daicos is ranked so low.
'Meant to be going at 58 per cent, is going at 53 per cent. His accuracy in front of goal, meant to be going at 41 per cent, Nick is going at 29 per cent,' Hoyne said on SEN.
'17 shots at goal, going at 29 per cent accuracy.'
Daicos, who is usually accurate in front of goal, has kicked a wasteful 5.9 from his 17 shots at goal.
Another surprising name in the worst list is Adelaide captian Jordan Dawson.
Dawson is currently sitting third in the AFLCA Player of the Year award, but is the third worst kick in the competition, according to Champion Data.
'I see him high up on the coaches' votes and his raw stat sheet looks good,' Hoyne said.
'I'm sure he's doing a lot of things well without the footy, but in terms of what he's done so far this year, he is the third-worst kick in the competition.'
Greater Western Sydney smooth mover Finn Callaghan is another surprise name in the top 10.
Callaghan's elite foot skills were on show in the upset win over Geelong on the weekend, but he is ranked No.6.
'Much better on the weekend but had a patch where he was going poorly,' Hoyne said.
At the other end of the spectrum, Western Bulldogs gun half-back Bailey Dale is ranked the No.1 kick in the competition.
'The best kick in the competition, and by a long way,' said Hoyne.
'He's kicking 10 per cent above expectations based off the type of kicks he is trying to pull off.'
Geelong midfielder Max Holmes is ranked second, while Sydney revelation Riley Bice is No.7 overall.
Top 10 kicks in the AFL
10 – Massimo D'Ambrosio (HAW)
9 – Luke Ryan (FRE)
8 – Zach Guthrie (GEE)
7 – Riley Bice (SYD)
6 – Mason Redman (ESS)
5 – Lachie Ash (GWS)
4 – Jaspa Fletcher (BRI)
3 – Karl Amon (HAW)
2 - Max Holmes (GEE)
1 – Bailey Dale (WB)
Worst 10 kicks in the AFL
10 – Nick Daicos (COL)
9 – Archie Roberts (ESS)
8 – Jake Soligo (ADE)
7 – Jy Simpkin (NM)
6 – Finn Callaghan (GWS)
5 – Liam Duggan (WCE)
4 – George Hewett (CAR)
3 – Jordan Dawson (ADE)
2 – Luke Trainor (RIC)
1 – Liam Baker (WCE)