Footy legend Peter Daicos reveals the hidden health problem that caused his family to fear for him when he was on I’m A Celebrity

Collingwood legend Peter Daicos earned a reputation as one of football’s tough men but has now revealed the health scare his family had ahead of his appearance on the reality show I’m a celebrity… Get me out of here!

Daicos played his entire 250-game career with Collingwood, kicking a total of 549 goals over 15 years.

That included winning the AFL Premiership in 1990, being awarded Goal of the Year in 1991 and being inducted into the Australian Football Hall of Fame.

Daicos was known for his exceptional goal-scoring ability, particularly from challenging angles, which earned him the nickname ‘The Magician’ and led to him being named in Collingwood’s Team of the Century.

But it was his recent tilt in the jungle-based reality show that really tested his mettle, and the Magpies great said he was extremely proud to have lasted 25 days after his elimination on Monday.

Peter’s sons Nick and Josh Daicos were part of Collingwood’s historic premiership win in 2023

Peter is still considered a legend at the Magpies and has development squads and even his own Collingwood scent named after him

However, that stint in the jungle came with protests from his family, including Collingwood premiership heroes Josh and Nick Daicos.

“I’ll be honest, the family wasn’t happy,” said Daicos, 62, after losing 10kg during her time on the show.

‘Part of me wanted to do it because of the challenge but I’d had some health problems and I said if I can get through something like that and I got stronger mentally then I could say I’m back.

‘I had a hernia in 2022 and it has taken me some time. It changed the way I ate and I lost a lot of weight. The recovery was a lot slower than if I’d had it done even five years ago, but mentally and physically I’m fine and that’s why I wanted to do it.’

Daicos admitted that his secret to staying sharp in the jungle was cold showers in the morning and even colder swims during the day to keep his mind active.

“I’m honestly thrilled to have made it through,” Daicos said.

‘Someone said something about mindful eating and simple things like eating a banana which was the first bit of sugar I had, I used to look at it and just throw it in the bin.

‘I can’t wait to talk to the boys. They are so proud and so are (my daughter) Maddie and Coll (wife Colleen).

‘That’s the thing, they’re in the public eye and part of it was, ‘Dad, don’t say anything you’re not supposed to say’. I said before I left, I know how to handle it.’

Daicos Senior can see plenty of himself in his sons but acknowledges they are their own players at the Magpies

The Daicos family have Collinwood running through their veins with three premiership winners in their ranks

More than 30 years into his successful career, Daicos said he misses the excitement football brought him, but appreciates the continued support of Collingwood fans, who have also shown great affection for his sons.

‘I was a different type of player, I didn’t rely on hard running. I was more get it, buy some time, space, and then I could get it on. One thing I could do is use the ball,’ he said.

– My focus was always on football, so I didn’t know what was to come. All I used to look at was basically socks and feet and basically just paddle the ball and work my way through the maze.

‘I knew how good I was, nobody could do what I could. And I’m not (arrogant). I am proud to be an original. I’m not your proto standard thing. I was different with the way I played, the way I moved.

‘Josh can do things the same way and I think Nick too. The movements, the way they approach the ball, maybe it’s after they get the ball, just what they do to buy space or get the ball.’