As a promising member of the Daniher clan, there were always going to be high expectations for father-son selection Joe Daniher. 

The first-round selection pick had his first match in round 11, 2013, gathering 15 disposals in an encouraging display. But it was in his second match that Daniher’s potential was emphasised. 

He booted three goals from 17 disposals on that occasion, bursting onto the scene to announce himself to the competition and leave Essendon fans licking their lips. 

That promise was not in vain, from 2014 to last year he booted 28, 34, 43 and 65 goals respectively, continuously improving to place himself among the league’s best key forwards.

When Daniher lines up against Hawthorn at the MCG on Saturday he will run out for his 100^th game, and he said he was proud to reach the milestone.

“It’s a very exciting personal achievement for myself and I’m very proud to do it at a club that I grew up barracking for as a kid,” Daniher said. 

The athletic forward still recalls his first game against Carlton in 2013 and admitted he was surprised at how quickly his first 100 matches have gone. 

“I do remember still quite a bit of it and I think they’re memories that I’ll have for a long time.

“I think back then I was very excited to get the opportunity to play for the club (in) just one game, and to be able to have played a lot more than that is really pleasing. 

Daniher has had to endure some of the toughest times the club has faced in its history, but he is determined to be rewarded for his persistence.

“It’s been challenging and that’s what AFL footy is, it’s a challenging game and it’s often quite a rollercoaster of emotions.

“I’m still eager to get that success that we haven’t had yet. We’ve had a lot of challenges over my short career, but hopefully that success is coming and I’m really driven to get there.” 

Neither Essendon nor Daniher have started this season as they would have liked.

Daniher sits on seven goals from the opening six rounds in what has been a quiet start to the year, but he is confident the work he and his teammates are putting in will pay dividends.

“We continually put in the work and enjoy the challenge of working really hard and we’re looking forward to turning our form around this year and hopefully having a successful season,” he said.

“Look we’ve just got to plan. Every single player has got their own individual plan of how they need to get there. We stick to the focuses that we have at the football club.”

The high-flying goalkicker ensured that with the Bombers’ loyal fans by his side the team could get back to its damaging best.

“We’re a very proud, strong club and we’re looking forward to that challenge of getting back to the footy that we know we can play. 

“Our fans are the best in the competition. Their passion is undoubtedly the strongest in the game and we’re very lucky to have fans that are very passionate about the footy club.”