With Michael Hurley in doubt to take on Sydney due to an ankle injury Daniher who booted five goals against Collingwood last weekend is in the frame for his debut.
“He will play soon. It is so much harder for big guys, we have to respect that,” Thompson said.
“We have to remember Tom Hawkins when he came on the scene he got criticised for years and it gets hard to defend him.”
“Young Joey is the same there is a bit of pressure to play and he should play soon because he is in good form.”
Coach James Hird said Hurley remained a chance to line up against the Swans but Scott Gumbleton and Daniher would both be pushing for selection if he failed to take his place in the side.
“Scott was probably best on ground on the weekend and Joe was probably second best on ground so we have a few decisions to make there,” Hird said.
“Joe is in outstanding form for a young kid and deserves his game.”
Teammate Brendon Goddard believes Daniher’s form in the VFL this season will see him offered an opportunity at AFL level sooner than later.
“Joe is going really well and he just keeps knocking on the door so I think at some point the coaches are going to have to pick him,” Goddard said on SEN radio.
“As much as they (the coaches) are holding him back for his development he is going to end up picking himself.”
