AFL
  1. Home
  2. AFL
  3. News
Save
Print
License article

Joe Daniher feels 'lucky' as he re-signs with Essendon for three years

Sam McClure
Show comment

Essendon star forward Joe Daniher says he feels "lucky" to be continuing his career with the club he grew up supporting, after officially putting pen to paper on a three-year contract extension.

And the 23-year-old, who has taken the competition by storm this season, believes the emphasis he places on "enjoying his football" has helped put him in the form of his career.

Up Next

FootyFix: Can the Dees keep it going?

null
Video duration
06:33

More AFL Real Footy Videos

null
Video duration
01:39

AFL plays of round 14
null
Video duration
02:30

Glenn Archer apologises for junior footy ...
null
Video duration
01:22

AFL plays of round 13
More videos

AFL plays of round 14

Hawk Mitchell helps ground the Crows, Swan Mills takes a ripper defensive grab, Roo Higgins does a 'Charlie Dixon', Dees break a western hoodoo and the final touch from Docker Walters delivers ecstasy for Chris Scott .

As first revealed by Fairfax Media last month, Daniher has signed a deal that will keep him at the Bombers until the end of 2020.

"For me, it was a really easy process," Daniher told Fairfax Media.

"I'm very lucky with the network that I have around me and I have full confidence in the situation was being handled and [did] not even consider [going to another club] ... It's a really exciting time to be part of the club.

"We've got a really good mix of young players coming though and strong willingness to do the work."

Advertisement

The contract extension will see Daniher remain at Essendon until at least the end of his eighth season, at which time he will be a restricted free agent.

Daniher, who has been criticised in the past for his kicking for goal, has now been publicly lauded by greats of the game, including Kevin Bartlett, who believes Daniher will be the best player in the competition in two years.

He admits that his relaxed and positive mindset has helped him find his best football. "It does take time to find your feet in the game. I was no different," he said.

"It takes time to feel comfortable playing at the highest level. I got opportunities early in my career to develop and learn and it's helped me improve slowly albeit.

"I put a big emphasis on enjoying football. I think it's critical, anything you do in life you have to make sure you're happy and enjoying it and you can see yourself doing it for a long period of time."

Daniher drew some criticism for hugging former teammate Michael Hibberd in a 38-point loss to Melbourne earlier in the year.

But the star forward says it's important to be authentic.

"It's one of my major focuses, lots of people handle being involved in the AFL industry different ways," he said.

"One of my ways is making sure I enjoy it and making sure I appreciate coming to the club every day and that I'm in a position now where the club's going in a really exciting direction."

Daniher, who took a sensational mark in defence in the dying minutes of the one-point loss to Sydney on Friday night, admitted there were "100 different ways" the Dons could've saved the game.

"I think I got a bit lost down back," he said. "I kicked it out a little more central than I liked though! It felt like that last quarter went for a really long time with all those score reviews.

"It's a great learning opportunity for us, this will definitely hold us in good stead for the future."

At the half-way mark of the 2017 campaign, he has booted 35 goals, including 21.2 since round six, and sits fourth in the race for the Coleman Medal.

More Articles

1 comment