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Essendon are rising from the ashes of a 2013 season which, although featuring many on-field highlights, was tarnished by off-field scandals.
Bombers fans are salivating about the football ahead, thanks in part to the return of a famous surname to their ranks.
On top of the promising debuts of Martin Gleeson, Patrick Ambrose and Jackson Merrett, there is the prospect of a genuine superstar developing on the Essendon forward line. That exciting prospect is Joe Daniher, son of former Essendon player Anthony.
Many football fans still recall the game in which Kevin Sheedy selected all four Daniher brothers – Terry, Neale, Chris and Anthony – to play in the one Essendon team in 1990. They were later all selected in a State of Origin team together.
Anthony himself would say he certainly lived in the shadow of his more famous brothers Terry and Neale. Joe won’t be in the shadows, though – he is set to shine like a supernova.
Two marks in particular have set the pulse racing. During Essendon’s six-goal win over North Melbourne, Brendon Goddard gathered the ball near the boundary just inside 50 and kicked across his body to centre the ball.
A pack of four players flew, but it was big Joe Daniher at 201cm who plucked the ball out of the air complete with a half body twist while falling backwards. This was an old-fashioned forward entry; the midfielders sent the ball to the contest knowing the gun forward is lurking, with the odds better than 50-50 in their favour.
Not content with taking one great mark, Daniher did it again not longer after and slotted the goal. It was almost a repeat of the earlier grab and degree of difficulty.
Daniher has great hands already – if he gets near the ball it will usually stick. His goal-kicking has been wayward, although in the North game he slotted two nice goals. Perhaps at this stage in his career it is best for him to patrol within 25 metres of goal as a true full-forward.
Daniher’s height will also likely see him ruck in the centre, and it is hoped that his young body will handle the rigours of ruck work. His tackling pressure was first rate on Friday night. For a big bloke he is very good below his knees, and tenacious.
It’s early days and a long season ahead, but Joe Daniher’s weapons look formidable. He is set to terrorise backmen and excite the AFL world in years to come.
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