There’s plenty to examine from an extended Easter round of footy. Here are the key takeouts from round six.

Thursday night, Gabba
Collingwood defeated Brisbane by 52 points

Nick Daicos was nothing short of brilliant for the visiting Magpies at the Gabba on Thursday night.Credit: AFL Photos

In a marathon weekend of games, it’s easy to forget what happened yesterday, let alone last Thursday. But the Easter Thursday clash between the Magpies and Lions matched the intensity of any game we have seen this season. That the Magpies emerged victorious rubber-stamped their credentials as a legitimate premiership contender.

Last week this column declared Craig McRae had orchestrated a “defensive masterclass” against the Swans; this was no different. To hold the Lions to just 58 points, denying them the run they typically enjoy through the corridor (as they had also done against the Swans), was emblematic of the “buy-in” McRae has from his men.

That the Lions had just 37 inside-50s for the night said it all. Nick Daicos sent a message to any would-be tagger that there is little point trying to intimidate or rough him up using a phony tough-guy act that Jarrod Berry attempted as soon as the teams emerged from half-time. Daicos had 21 touches to that point, and finished with 38, including eight clearances, a goal and almost certainly another three Brownlow Medal votes. Having fended off master tagger James Jordon a week ago, it’s clearly back to the drawing board for those men who work in the shadows.

And a shoutout to another Daicos, Nick’s brother Josh. He has thrived in a new role at half-back, the rebounding defender having 30 disposals at 90 per cent efficiency against the Lions. The Copeland Trophy winner in the 2023 premiership season, Josh had every right to dig in and insist he remain on a wing. Instead, he is cloaked in a team ethos, and he – and the Magpies – are thriving.

It’s now on to Friday’s Anzac Day clash against Essendon.

Good Friday, Marvel Stadium – Carlton defeated North Melbourne by 82 points
Easter Sunday, Marvel Stadium– Western Bulldogs defeated St Kilda by 71 points

The Western Bulldogs find themselves in a similar position to the Blues, the latter having had only Charlie Curnow left of their blue-chip marking forwards able to take to the field against North Melbourne. The Blues responded superbly........

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