The Magpies started fast at Ikon Park, kicking six of the first seven goals, and posted a 21.6 (132) to 6.13 (49) win in front of 7812 fans in Wednesday night's Charity Shield match.
Newly minted vice-captain Daicos was best on ground in Collingwood's last hitout before next Sunday's opening-round clash with GWS.
He looked concerned over his left knee late in the second term but played on.
When rested midway through the third quarter, Daicos had 32 disposals, 11 score involvements, eight tackles and six clearances.
"The plan with Nick was always to take him out of the game early. I'm not sure what the medical report is, but I'm sure he's fine," assistant coach Jordan Roughead said.
"He had another really strong performance, and we look forward to him doing the same next weekend."
Discarded Saint Tim Membrey provided a presence up forward, kicking four goals along with Brody Mihocek and Bobby Hill.
Boom recruit Dan Houston (22 disposals) showed what he can deliver off half-back, dobbing a long-range goal on the run in the first quarter.
Houston with a ROCKET at Ikon Park 🚀— Collingwood FC (@CollingwoodFC) February 26, 2025Dan delivers in his first hit out in black and white after some Daicos connection through the corridor! pic.twitter.com/vGEtZCtSDP
Former Giant Harry Perryman (10 tackles, 20 disposals, one goal) offered inside grunt.
"It was great to see Dan and to see 'Pez' (Perryman) playing really strongly through the midfield," Roughead said.Â
"And obviously Tim Membrey hit the scoreboard. He had four goals and a dozen or so touches, and really played his role in what was a pretty good performance.Â
"I'm rapt to have Dan running around at half-back and he's been nothing but impressive since he came to the footy club back in November."
Brayden Maynard (foot), Jordan De Goey (knee) and Mason Cox (finger) were Collingwood's big-name absentees.
Last year's wooden spooners Richmond, who open their season against Carlton on March 13, were without Tom Lynch (concussion), Dion Prestia (achilles), Sam Lalor (jaw), Josh Smillie (hamstring) and Hugo Ralphsmith (hamstring).
Toby Nankervis (22 disposals, 28 hitouts), Jacob Hopper (31 touches), Sam Banks and Jayden Short were prolific.
"A bit of a mixed bag. Like we had some really positive signs in terms of system, some of the numbers would indicate that we had enough forward entries," assistant coach Chris Newman said.Â
"Our transition looks relatively strong. We had around 29 front-half turnovers, which was a good indication of some pressure in there.Â
"But definitely some things to work on - obviously our connection inside 50, some execution things that we can tidy up on and hopefully improve on."
Collingwood eased to a 23-point lead at the first change, then extended the margin to 45 at half-time.
The Magpies nudged their lead out to 75 at three-quarter time, before closing out the game.
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