Licuria was traded to the club he supported as a child, Collingwood, as part of a deal which saw Sydney receive their first round selection, (no.3 overall).

However, he came back into the side and won a Rising Star nomination for a 28 possession game against the West Coast Eagles.

It stunned everyone with his win in 2001, but in 2002 it was expected in the year the club made it to the Grand Final.

Despite a poor performance in the big game, he would achieve a career-high 40 disposals in the Qualifying Final against Port Adelaide and in the 2002 Grand final loss to Brisbane he and Mick Malthouse showed their disappointment in tears, with Licuria visibly crying.

He played all games once again in 2004 and 2005, being noted as one of the most durable midfielders, despite his knee problems early in his career.

However, 2006 would see Licuria exposed as a tiring player, with his use of the ball continually debated, and his consistency being questioned.