Logan's best mate Nick

by Nicholas Duck

Plenty of Collingwood fans around the country were cheering last week as Magpies superstar Nick Daicos won his first Brownlow Medal with a record-breaking 47 votes.

One fan would have been cheering louder than anyone else, however - Nick's best mate Logan Goldfinch of Warragul.

Logan, six, is living with neuroblastoma, a rare form of childhood cancer that begins in early nerve cells (neuroblasts) of the sympathetic nervous system.

But after being given the chance to meet Daicos and other Collingwood players earlier this year through Make-A-Wish Australia, the little Pies superfan has made a friend for life.

Since their initial meeting, Logan has joined Daicos to run out for the star's 100th game and even had the chance to ride alongside him at Friday's grand final parade with the Brownlow around his neck.

Logan's father Shane said Daicos had gone above and beyond since meeting Logan, personally reaching out and asking to stay in touch.

"It's just sort of evolved through the year, they've got such a great relationship," he said.

"When they first met Nick sat on the couch with him for ages and really got to know him and now they send each other video messages... Nick's brother Josh has been great too, he sat with Logan during one of his treatments which was on his own time and he didn't have to do.

"The whole family are so lovely and we're so grateful."

Daicos acknowledged Logan's effect on his life after winning the medal last Monday, paying tribute to his friend's battle on stage in a chat with presenter Hamish McLachlan.

"I've got a youngster, Logan, he's staying awake at the moment, he's got cancer. I worked closely with him this year and I think that shows the platform we can have and impacting people like that. 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, but then at the same time, I think he's probably taught me more than I taught him."

Daicos then signed a copy of the Herald Sun for Logan - his first signature as a Brownlow medalist.

"We didn't know he was going to mention Logan at all," Shane said.

While the prospect of Logan participating in the parade initially caused some worry as to how he would make it through, Logan managed the day beautifully.

"He did so well, he said his arms were a bit tired from waving but he handled it all amazingly, we told him how proud we were of him," Shane said.
"He hasn't stopped talking about it all week."