Essendon star Joe Daniher reignited his AFL career in the space of two hours on Anzac Day
Joe Daniher hadn’t played a senior game for 12 months until last Friday.
But in his second appearance in the space of six days, the All-Australian forward reminded the competition just how good he is.
After making a low key return as a last minute inclusion against North Melbourne on Good Friday, Daniher was locked in an engrossing battle with emerging Collingwood star Darcy Moore on Anzac Day — and won.
There were some who questioned Essendon’s decision to rush their injury-plagued star back last weekend — especially with a six-day break between games — but Daniher showed no signs of the groin issue that ruined his 2018 and the calf issue that derailed his pre-season.
The 25-year-old was involved in a handful of the biggest moments of Thursday’s game, including a 65 metre bomb after the half-time siren and a clever piece of play where he danced around Adam Treloar before snapping a goal while being pursued by Moore in the final quarter.
Daniher finished with a game-high four goals from 16 disposals, nine contested possessions and eight marks (four contested) in the four-point loss to Collingwood at the MCG.
While Magpies captain Scott Pendlebury joined Essendon legend James Hird as the only players to win three Anzac Medals, Daniher polled the third most votes as he reignited his career in the space of a couple of hours.
“We were denied of him last year. It does take you back,” AFL 360 co-host Gerard Whateley said on Thursday night.
“He won the Anzac Medal the year before that and he has dominated a couple of Dreamtime games.
“I think there were those who were ready to anoint him as the next key forward in the competition.
“Second up, off a short break, he looks like if he gets a fair and full run at it he will become that commanding presence that has been forecast.”