“I can’t stay calm anymore — my girlfriend is pregnant and I’m about to become a father!” Those were the joyful words that exploded from Collingwood AFL star Josh Daicos in the middle of the night, sending social media into a frenzy and melting the hearts of fans across Australia. The popular Magpies midfielder could barely contain his happiness as he shared the life-changing news that he and his fiancée Annalise Dalins are expecting their first child together.

The announcement, made with pure excitement at midnight, quickly went viral, with thousands of well-wishes pouring in from teammates, celebrities, and loyal AFL supporters.

In a heartwarming video that captured the moment perfectly, Josh Daicos appeared like a child on Christmas morning. His face lit up with an uncontrollable smile as he hugged his beautiful fiancée Annalise tightly. The couple, already one of the most admired “It” pairs in Australian sport, decided to share their special secret with the world in the most genuine and spontaneous way. “We’re having a baby!” Josh declared, his voice filled with emotion and disbelief. The pure joy radiating from both of them was infectious, reminding everyone why moments like this capture the public’s imagination so strongly.

Annalise Dalins, the stunning model and former Miss Universe Australia runner-up, stood beside her future husband with a radiant glow that only a soon-to-be mother can have. The pair, who got engaged in a breathtaking proposal in Santorini, Greece back in 2024, have been inseparable ever since. Their relationship has been followed closely by fans, from glamorous red carpet appearances at the Brownlow Medal to cosy moments at the Australian Open. Now, their love story is entering a beautiful new chapter — parenthood.

What made the announcement even more special was a surprising detail the couple revealed about the baby that no one could have anticipated. Josh and Annalise shared that their little one is due to arrive at a particularly meaningful time in 2026, coinciding with a period that will blend both football season excitement and the start of their married life. The timing has added an extra layer of magic to the news, as the couple had already planned to tie the knot after the 2026 AFL season.

Now, their wedding and the arrival of their first child will create memories that they say will be “the best yet to come.”

Josh Daicos, son of Collingwood legend Peter Daicos and brother to star midfielder Nick Daicos, has always been known for his composure on the field. But in this personal moment, all that professionalism melted away. “I can’t stay calm anymore,” he admitted with a laugh, his happiness bubbling over. Becoming a father is a milestone that many athletes dream of, but for Josh, it feels extra special because of the strong family values he grew up with.

The Daicos family has long been a cornerstone of Collingwood Football Club, and this new generation will continue that proud legacy in the most wonderful way.

For Annalise Dalins, the journey to motherhood has already brought a mix of emotions. The 25-year-old, who balances modelling with her studies in commerce at Deakin University, has always been open about her love for Josh. She once affectionately nicknamed him “HAB” — short for “husband and boyfriend” — highlighting how he shows up for her in every way. Now, as they prepare for their baby, Annalise says the support from Josh has been overwhelming in the best possible sense.

Friends close to the couple describe them as a perfect team, ready to navigate the challenges and joys of parenting together.

The midnight announcement created an instant buzz online. Within minutes, Instagram and other platforms were flooded with congratulatory messages. Teammates from Collingwood, including captain Darcy Moore and other Magpies stars, were among the first to react with excitement. Fans shared their own stories of becoming parents, while many AFL followers noted how refreshing it is to see such genuine, unfiltered joy from a high-profile athlete. One supporter commented: “Josh looking like a big kid hugging Annalise — this is pure happiness!” Another wrote: “The Daicos family is growing. What a beautiful moment for Collingwood royalty.”

This news comes at an exciting time for Josh Daicos on the football front as well. The Collingwood midfielder has been in strong form, contributing to the Magpies’ campaign with his trademark skill, vision, and leadership. Balancing elite sport with impending fatherhood is never easy, but Josh has always spoken about wanting a life beyond football. He often credits his family upbringing for keeping him grounded, and now he will pass those same values on to his own child.

The couple’s relationship has been a fairytale for many observers. From their romantic engagement in Greece, complete with stunning ocean views, to their glamorous appearances together, Josh and Annalise have shown a partnership built on mutual respect and fun. They recently opened up about postponing their wedding slightly to ensure everything feels perfect, including an outdoor interstate venue that suits their style. Annalise is still deciding on her dream gown, while Josh jokingly mentioned the idea of wearing a white suit — a light-hearted touch that shows their playful dynamic.

Now, with a baby on the way, their priorities are shifting in the most positive direction. The couple has hinted that they want to keep some aspects of the pregnancy private to enjoy the journey as a family, but they couldn’t resist sharing this initial burst of happiness with their supporters. The surprising detail about the baby’s due date has only added to the excitement, as it aligns beautifully with the end of the AFL season and the start of their married chapter.

For many young couples following Josh and Annalise’s story, this announcement serves as inspiration. It shows that even in the high-pressure world of professional sport, love, commitment, and family remain at the centre. Josh has often spoken about the influence of his father Peter and the close bond with his brother Nick. Adding a new little Daicos to the mix will no doubt bring even more joy to the entire family.

As the AFL community continues to celebrate, questions are already arising about how fatherhood might influence Josh’s game. Many athletes find new motivation after becoming parents, channelling that love into even greater performances. Collingwood fans are hopeful that this personal milestone will fuel Josh to new heights on the field while he prepares for the biggest role of his life off it.

The road ahead will include doctor visits, nursery planning, and of course, wedding preparations. Yet Josh and Annalise seem more united than ever. Their midnight announcement wasn’t just about sharing news — it was about inviting the world to share in their uncontainable joy. In a time when celebrity news can sometimes feel scripted, this felt refreshingly real.

“I can’t stay calm anymore,” Josh said with that trademark big smile. And why should he? Becoming a father is one of life’s greatest adventures, and for this AFL star and his beautiful fiancée, it’s only just beginning. The Daicos family is expanding, and Australia’s sporting world couldn’t be happier for them.

From the proposal in Greece to the pregnancy reveal at midnight, Josh Daicos and Annalise Dalins continue to write a love story that captivates fans. As they step into parenthood, one thing is certain: their baby will arrive surrounded by immense love, strong family values, and the unwavering support of the Collingwood community. Congratulations to the happy couple — the best memories are indeed still to come.