AFL brothers take over - The standout siblings of 2022

Aidan Cellini

AFL brothers take over - The standout siblings of 2022 image

Nick and Josh Daicos' most recent performance has Collingwood fans stirring, with the brothers putting on a match-winning display in the victory over Gold Coast that would've been replicated in the backyard when they were kids.

Younger Daicos and favourite for the Rising Star, Nick, collected a career-high 37 touches in wet conditions at Metricon Stadium and two goal assists, with one of those to his older sibling.

Josh had 19 disposals but kicked three crucial goals as the Pies went on to win by five points.

In an awe-inspiring contest by the Daicos men, the pair showed their true talents and skill, which were no doubt learnt from the Macedonian Marvel and their father, Peter. 

PJN Daicos.jpg
Getty Images

Nick and Josh have played all 15 games this season together and pose as one of the future successful brother combinations in the AFL.

Another set of siblings on a similar trajectory are the De Koning boys, jumping into immediate stardom in 2022 with their height and athleticism.

Tom - who plays for Carlton - has taken his game to new heights this year since debuting back in 2018.

The absence of Marc Pittonet means the Blues have relied upon the 22-year-old heavily in the ruck and around the ground, competing against some of the game's best big men.

Younger brother Sam - who's at Geelong - has been a revelation in the backline and has been recognised for his work with a Rising Star nomination.

The 21-year-old rarely loses one-on-one contests and is one of the biggest improvers this season, becoming a formidable defender under coach Chris Scott.

Looking at each of the club's lists, there are 24 sets of brothers sprawled across the competition, with some making their mark as the game's elite players.

The Brayshaw duo - who did have a third brother (Hamish) in the system - are arguably one of the better combinations currently.

Brayshaw.jpg
Getty Images

Angus (Melbourne) came third in the Brownlow in 2018 and is having another excellent season across half back for the reigning premiers.

His brother, Angus (Fremantle), is one of the favourites for the Brownlow this year, with his improvement a symbol of the Dockers' revival.

Then there are twins, with the King family - Max (St Kilda) and Ben (Gold Coast) - ready to tear apart the competition in the coming years.

The McKays - Harry (Carlton - Coleman Medallist) and Ben (North Melbourne) - who continue to take strides toward greatness.

Key defenders Jeremy (West Coast) and Mitch McGovern (Carlton) have also made their mark on the competition, with their elite aerial skill and strong marking capabilities a turning factor.

The McCartin brothers joined forces at the beginning of 2022, when Paddy was selected as a pre-season supplemental pick (SSP) by the Swans and joined Tom in the backline.

McCartin.jpg
Getty Images

List of 2022 AFL brothers

Club Brothers
Brisbane Jarrod and Thomas Berry
Fremantle & Melbourne Andrew and Angus Brayshaw
St Kilda & Hawthorn Dan and Sam Butler
Collingwood Callum and Tyler Brown
Brisbane Keidean and Blake Coleman
St Kilda & Adelaide Brad and Matt Crouch
Carlton Ed and Charlie Curnow
Collingwood Josh and Nick Daicos
Carlton & Geelong Tom and Sam De Koning
Carlton & Richmond Paddy and Thomson Dow
Fremantle & Port Adelaide Michael and Martin Frederick
Geelong Cam and Zach Guthrie
Geelong & Collingwood Jack and Oliver Henry
Adelaide & GWS Elliot and Harry Himmelberg
Essendon & Collingwood Jake and Will Kelly
Gold Coast & St Kilda Ben and Max King
Collingwood & Western Bulldogs Finlay and Jack Macrae
Sydney Paddy and Tom McCartin
Carlton & Melbourne Oscar and Tom McDonald
West Coast & Carlton Jeremy and Mitch McGovern
Carlton & North Melbourne Harry and Ben McKay
Fremantle & Hawthorn Caleb and Jai Serong
Essendon & West Coast Alec and Jake Waterman
Fremantle & North Melbourne Hayden and Lachie Young

Throughout the history of the AFL, there have been a long list of brothers who have lined up together and against each other.

In 2016, AFL.com.au compiled a ranking of the best combinations, leading with the Coventry brothers (Sydney and Gordon) back from the 1920s.

The table included the Madden men (Simon and Justin), Colliers (Albert and Harry), Burgoynes (Peter and Shaun), Danihers (Anthony, Chris and Terry - not to mention Neale's contribution to the game) and more.

The Scott brothers (Chris and Brad) were also premiership players for the Brisbane Lions during the era of success in the early 2000s and have gone on to coach AFL sides, while Brad is now the GM of football.

The Selwoods once had all four brothers on AFL lists, with Joel being the most recognisable. Adam and Scott both played for West Coast while Troy featured in 75 games for Brisbane.

Want more AFL? Watch Warriors On The Field celebrating Aboriginal Australia and its long history and association with the AFL. Streaming on AMAZON PRIME VIDEO

Aidan Cellini

Aidan Cellini Photo

Aidan has surrounded himself with all types of sport, but resonates most with AFL and basketball as he still plays both competitively. He loves being active and enjoys sharing sporting moments with friends and family.

In his spare time, Aidan likes to read biographies as well as keep active and healthy. He's also a big fan of Matthew McConaughey and Marvel movies.