Danny Younan epitomises the modern-day VFL footballer.

While AFL-listed teammates and opponents are at the footy club by day, the 26-year-old is digging ditches. After a long slog on the tools, then it’s off to The Hangar for training.

Younan juggles his business – Amazon Pest Exterminators – with footy where’s he a crafty forward and vice-captain of the Essendon VFL team. And he wouldn’t have it any other way.

“On Monday, I was underneath a house all day. We do a lot of termite removal so it was digging trenches, removing the timber and soil then spraying everything so I was down there for seven hours, then you pack up and get to training and by the time you get home it’s around 10pm,” he tells essendonfc.com.au.

“So, it’s a long day but I love it and you’ve just got to remember why you do what you do.

“This year’s been better because I’ve put someone on in admin and another bloke on the road which has allowed me to take a bit of a sidestep. I can oversee the running of the business and spend time making sure my body’s right. I had a few issues at the start of the year but I’ve overcome that and I’m feeling the best I ever have.

“I love the professionalism and standard of VFL. I get into the footy club as much as I can, I’m probably in there every day doing something. I think I’ve matured a lot as well. Success obviously drives me but it’s about getting the best out of myself.”

Younan arrived at the Bombers from Coburg in 2017, and so marked the beginning of a new chapter.

Younan during his Coburg days. (Photo: AFL Photos)

“My first year was the hardest because I was in and out of the side but once I bought into the system a little bit more, the last two years have gone quicker and been fantastic,” he says.

“I signed after Christmas so even though I’d been in the VFL system for five years I sort of had to start all over again, but that’s what drove me. I like sometimes taking the harder way and getting the best out of yourself.

“I just thought with an environment like Essendon I could thrive. What do I love about it? The people who are involved. There’s no real egos, everyone’s been welcoming from the start and has time for you and there’s a good culture set from the top with John Worsfold.”

Younan quickly made an impact on and off the field and was this year voted into the leadership group as co-vice-captain alongside the experienced Heath Hocking.

“It’s massive, to be surrounded by (captain) Aaron Heppell and Heath Hocking and Kurt Aylett as well. I think we’ve got a pretty good leadership group which sends a ripple effect through to the younger guys which is awesome.”

Selected in the 2018 VFL Team of the Year, Younan is averaging 17 disposals and has booted 15 goals from 12 outings for the second-placed Bombers this season.

He attributes his team’s campaign to buy-in and understanding from the whole list.

“We’ve had a pretty healthy list but it’s also seamless for our VFL-listed blokes who come up into the side,” Younan says.

“Nino Lazzaro, Bruno Laguda and Jake McQueen are all now in their second year, so it doesn’t matter who comes in at the moment because it’s all system-based which is a credit to ‘DJ’ (coach Dan Jordan) and the coaches for creating a system and structures where everyone can come in and play a role.”

Younan is producing another strong season for Essendon VFL. (Photo: Ben Johnstone)

Younan is in the shape of his life, knows his craft better than ever and still harbours AFL ambitions. He credits his tight-knit family, and partner Chantelle, who attend every game from Windy Hill to Frankston, and describes them as his motivator.

But his focus remains squarely on the ultimate team success.

So, what would it mean to win a VFL premiership? Younan’s beaming smile says it all.

“It’d be special,” he says.

“I’ve won flags at every level. I played in a Division 2 senior flag with Taylors Lakes when I was 17, a VFL Development League Grand Final with Coburg in 2012 and a Division 1 premiership at Bundoora in 2017 and that bond you have with your teammates forever is unbelievable.

“That’s my main driver and I want my teammates to be able to experience that.”