 On an individual level he had a strong year, with an equal fifth placing in the J. J. Liston Trophy.Nicholls remained captain-coach in 1966 and in what would be his final season steered Geelong West to another 2nd Division grand final, which they lost to Oakleigh by 13 points.His son, Leigh Nicholls, played Under 19s for Geelong and was a Victorian Teal Cup representative.