It’s easy to forget Joe Daniher is still just 22 years of age.

After spending much of his first three seasons in the game working alongside the likes of Michael Hurley and Cale Hooker, in 2016 he became the focal point of the Essendon forward line. 

Despite the added pressure and the missing stars both in attack and further up the ground, Daniher continued his upward curve. 

Season          Games             Goals

2013               5                      3

2014               21                   28

2015               22                   34

2016               22                   43

His 43 goals marked the biggest return by an Essendon player since Matthew Lloyd in 2008.

The key forward averaged two goals a game throughout the season and was kept goal less in just two matches.

But it wasn’t just goals where Daniher was able to improve his output in 2016. 

2015                                                   2016

10.4                 Disposals                   13.2

172.2               Metres Gained           280.9

4.6                   Score involvs.            5.6

5.0                   Marks                          6.4

1.8                   Inside 50’s                  3.0

Daniher was also promoted to the leadership group on the eve of the season.

His consistency throughout the year was rewarded at the Crichton Medal where he finished equal runner-up alongside James Kelly. 

Daniher’s best in 2016:

21 disposals, 15 marks, two goals v Melbourne, round 2

16 disposals, 10 marks, two goals v Hawthorn, round 12

21 disposals, 11 marks, four goals v Adelaide, round 19

17 disposals, six marks, five goals v Carlton, round 23