Daicos shares Brownlow win with young cancer patient

Collingwood's Nick Daicos has claimed his first Brownlow Medal in a record-breaking 47-vote win, and has shared the moment with a young cancer patient who has become a close friend.

Daicos, 23, was overcome with emotion as he accepted the top AFL honour, saying he was "so privileged" to be recognised in such a way. He dedicated the moment to six-year-old Logan, who has been battling cancer and has formed a special bond with the Magpies star.

"It's a massive award, and I'm so privileged to be up here," Daicos said on stage. "I've got a youngster, Logan, who's staying awake at the moment."

"He's got cancer and I worked closely with him this year and I think it just shows the platform we can have and impacting people like that."

Logan, who was diagnosed with the rare childhood cancer neuroblastoma when he was one, watched the ceremony from his Warragul home on Monday night. He told reporters that he was "happy and excited" to be part of Daicos's big night.

"We stayed up late because we watched Nick get the brand new medal," Logan said. "I'm so proud of him for getting the medal."

Logan's dad, Shane Goldfinch, said the pair had formed a close friendship after being introduced to each other as part of his son's Make-A-Wish experience.

"Once the wish finished, Nick got in contact with Make-A-Wish and he wanted to get in contact with us and keep in touch off his own bat," Mr Goldfinch said. "Within a couple of weeks he organised Logan to run through the banner with him for his 100th game."

"It was amazing. He didn't have to do any of that. We're forever grateful."

Mr Goldfinch said the family never misses a Collingwood game, working around Logan's cancer treatment to watch in person as often as possible.

"[Nick] is grounded, down to earth, extremely family orientated as you can tell … he's just an amazing guy, an amazing leader," Mr Goldfinch said.

Daicos and Logan exchange video messages every week, and the young footballer said that his friendship with Logan had taught him valuable lessons.

"We send videos back and forth throughout the week. We're only able to do that and put a smile on his face because we're playing footy," Daicos said. "But then at the same time, I think he's probably taught me more than I've taught him."

On stage, Daicos also signed a newspaper to send to Logan; his first signature as a Brownlow Medallist.