It’s the latest in a long list of key injuries for the Magpies with fellow midfielders Scott Pendlebury, Tom Mitchell and Jordan De Goey all sidelined, as well as forwards Jamie Elliott, Mason Cox and Brody Mihocek.
Daicos was well held by Neal-Bullen in a rare quiet game for the ball magnet.
He still gathered 15 possessions and kicked a monster goal in the third quarter, but was well below his best.
Despite the growing injury list, the Magpies ran out convincing 38-point winners to surge up to sixth place on the ladder.
Jack Crisp was awarded best afield after collecting 27 touches, while Josh Daicos and Brayden Maynard were valuable contributors.
Nathan Kreuger kicked a career-high three goals in his first game in more than a year, while Harvey Harrison also chimed in with three.
The Demons had their own injury issues with superstar Christian Petracca subbed out and later taken to hospital following a brutal knock to the ribs.
Demons fans booed Maynard every time he was involved in play, but the hard-nosed defender was among the Magpies’ best.
The last time these teams played, Maynard had a heavy collision with Angus Brayshaw at the start of the qualifying final that eventually ended the Melbourne player’s career.
Asked if he fed off the crowd, Maynard told Channel Seven post-match: “We all do, don’t we … it’s all part of the game.”
