Nicol played Centre half forward in Footscray Reserves 1988 premiership team.
After an impressive VFA career, Nicol moved to Woodville-West Torrens in the SANFL.
In his first year in 1992 he took the most marks in the competition and finished fourth in the Magarey Medal behind Nathan Buckley.
As a ruckman/forward, the following year Nicol played in the Woodville-West Torrens inaugural premiership team, with a Grand Final victory over Norwood.
In 1994, Nicol played in the SANFL representative team against the West Australian Football League (WAFL).