29-04-2025
AFL WAG Annalise Dalins reveals how Josh Daicos' family helped her heal after devastating family breakdown
She may be known for her stunning looks and high-profile engagement to footy golden boy Josh Daicos.
But behind the glam, Annalise Dalins has faced heartbreak most wouldn't expect.
The 24-year-old model has revealed how the Daicos clan became her rock after a painful family split left her reeling, admitting she no longer has a relationship with her father.
Speaking candidly on Olivia Rogers' Tell Me More podcast, the Latvian-born beauty said she was embraced like a daughter by Josh's parents, legendary AFL player Peter Daicos and wife Colleen, during one of the darkest chapters of her life.
'They literally took me under their wing like I was their own,' she said.
'I was really missing the family aspect after my parents separated… so that really saved me.'
Annalise, who now lives with Josh and his family while they renovate their new home, said the support from the Daicos household gave her the stability she'd lost.
'I know I'm so lucky – a lot of people have tough relationships with their in-laws,' she added.
'But I'm obsessed with mine.'
While she remains close with her mother and younger brother, Annalise revealed she's completely estranged from her dad, who she says has become a stranger over time.
'I don't recognise the man he is now – and I actually don't know him,' she admitted.
'It's basically just a 'Merry Christmas' and 'Happy Birthday' kind of relationship.'
In a twist of fate, Josh came into her life right when she needed someone most – and their romance blossomed from humble beginnings, with Annalise initially thinking the Collingwood star was just a local footy player.
The pair struck up a conversation over Instagram during COVID lockdowns – and while Annalise initially ghosted him after learning he was an AFL player, the universe had other plans.
They crossed paths again at a Chapel Street bar, and sparks flew.
'I realised he was the sweetest man I'd ever met,' she said.
'He 100 percent is my biggest supporter.'
The couple, who got engaged in Greece last September, are now planning their future together – with Annalise confident they'll go the distance.
'I think we'll 100 percent make it to 90, in our rocking chairs at the nursing home,' she said with a laugh.
'That's because I know him inside out. I know myself. You just have to trust.'
Opening up about her insecurities and the fear that love can fade, she said watching the contrast between her father's behaviour and Josh's steady presence made her realise what true love really looks like.
'They were completely different,' she said of the two men.
'I knew exactly where I was going – I was going to Josh.'
The model said Josh's ability to show up and believe in her has transformed how she views love and relationships.
'When self-doubt creeps in, he's the first to say, "No way, that was great".
