Joe Daniher will live a childhood dream and continue an Essendon family tradition 16 years older than him when he debuts for the AFL club on Friday night.
The 19-year-old forward-ruckman will become the sixth Daniher to represent the Bombers, against fierce rivals Carlton at the MCG.
He’ll join his dad Anthony, uncles Terry – the 1984-85 premiership captain – Neale and Chris and brother Darcy as Danihers to have played for Essendon.
It’s a moment Bomber fans have been eagerly awaiting, but the 201cm Daniher isn’t feeling the pressure.
“Not at all,” he told the club’s website on Thursday night.
“The football club’s been really good looking after me and we’ve got some really good forward players that have helped me out a lot.”
He said pulling on the famous red-and-black guernsey had been an ambition since his earliest days.
“To get the opportunity is a really exciting moment,” he said.
He’s one of four inclusions, with Michael Hurley, Ben Howlett and Alwyn Davey all back from injury.
The loss of Scott Gumbleton (ankle) and axing of Tom Bellchambers means Daniher is likely to spend time in the ruck.
Stars Chris Judd and Eddie Betts return for the Blues, along with Kane Lucas.
Sydney have followed the family theme, picking Brandon Jack, brother of co-captain Kieren and son of rugby league great Garry, for an AFL debut against Adelaide on Saturday.
The Swans have lost speedster Lewis Jetta (shin soreness) and key position player Tommy Walsh (hamstring).
The Crows’ three changes include recalling youngster Brad Crouch.
West Coast have suffered a major double blow, losing captain Darren Glass (hip) and forward Mark LeCras (arm) for Sunday’s important Etihad Stadium clash with St Kilda.
LeCras is resting to ease discomfort in the arm he broke earlier this year.
The Saints have lost star defender Sam Fisher (foot).
Geelong will rest Harry Taylor and Mark Blicavs among five changes for Saturday’s match against bottom-placed Greater Western Sydney, while James Podsiadly returns from injury.
Giants ruckman Dean Brogan returns.
Collingwood star forward Travis Cloke will return from illness in Monday’s Queen’s Birthday clash against Melbourne, but the Magpies have dropped small forward Andrew Krakouer.
Countering Cloke will be made harder for the Demons by the loss of key defender James Frawley (hamstring), but fellow tall backman Tom McDonald returns, along with midfielder Colin Sylvia.
North Melbourne’s Sudanese big man Majak Daw has been recalled to meet Gold Coast on Saturday night.
The Suns have lost Brandon Matera (ankle) but regained big forward Charlie Dixon.
Who’s in your ultimate team? Pick the best team and compete with other fans for daily prizes on Draftstars. For the best odds on the game try out Aussie bookmaker PlayUp. Think. Is this a bet you really want to place? Set a deposit limit.
Port Adelaide star Ollie Wines has been subbed out of the Power's clash with Hawthorn at quarter time, after reportedly suffering a heart scare.…
It was always going to be Jack Ginnivan!
Was Toby Pink lucky to be awarded this goal?
"If you can't hit targets, you're in trouble."
Cornes has laid the blame for the Crows' heartbreaking loss on Reilly O'Brien and Ben Keays.
