Two of the most hyped AFL young guns in recent history will face off when Harley Reid goes toe-to-toe with Nick Daicos on Sunday.
And Collingwood coach Craig McRae can't wait to see it.
West Coast's No.1 draft pick Reid and former Collingwood wunderkind Daicos, who is still just 21, appear guaranteed to get to grips with each other in a Marvel Stadium midfield battle.
Reid is piecing together a stellar first season while Daicos won the Rising Star award for his debut campaign in 2022 and is the only recent draftee to garner anywhere near the hype of the Eagles sensation.
"I'm really looking forward to seeing him play live - I haven't had a chance to do that," McRae said.
"The little snippets I've seen on TV, he's got a bit of Dusty (Martin) in him, he's got a bit of Nick Daicos and ... the other player is like Ben Cousins, storming out of stoppage with that No.9 on his back.
"He's a remarkable talent and I think the game's better for having young guys like this in the game - and hopefully he doesn't have a good game this week."
McRae expected Daicos to relish the challenge of facing Reid if they shaped up for the same contests during Sunday's match.
"That's an interesting one," McRae said.
"Very competitive guy, I'm sure Harley's the same, comes from the same breed.
"I'm certain they'll find each other playing on each other at some stage."
McRae was generally wary of the Eagles, who will be without gun midfielder Elliot Yeo (groin) and in-form forward Jake Waterman (concussion).
"Their last month has been really good for them," he said.
"Beating Freo's the big scalp over there in particular, and arguably they could have beaten the Bombers last week.
"Their contest and clearance stuff is really, really strong- best contested team in the comp right now, particularly in the last month and no easy games in this competition.
"A couple players out doesn't help them but it certainly helps - a couple of their key playmakers, but we've got players out too."
Australian Associated Press
