Joe Daniher is making in-roads with his training as he returns from osteitis pubis, according to GM of Football Dan Richardson. 

The star Essendon forward’s 2018 season was cut short in round seven last season, but Richardson said the club remained positive about the 24-year-old’s progress.

“Joe is progressing well. He has started to do some ball work which is still limited at this stage, but we feel comfortable with the progression he is making,” Richardson told SEN 1116.

“If Joe continues to progress the way he is, and the symptoms don’t flare up again, we would hope a full training program would be in sight.”

Joe Daniher is progressing well in his comeback from osteitis pubis. (Photo: Essendon Football Club)

Despite Daniher’s progress, Richardson said the club wasn’t putting a timeline on the All-Australia’s return to playing.

“Unfortunately, it is an injury that is difficult to put a timeline on,” he said.

“I understand everyone would love a more definitive timeline, but we are confident with the way he is progressing and importantly Jo is confident within himself.

“For any player, they want to be out there playing so Joe has been extremely patient during a challenging 12 months, but he certainly feels optimistic about what’s ahead.”

The Bombers last week confirmed Cale Hooker had suffered a minor hamstring strain, while Zach Merrett sprained his ankle during a training drill. 

“Unfortunately, we have had a couple of injuries within the last week,” Richardson said.

“I think all clubs are now in a training phase where your level of volume and intensity at training are taking a step up as we get closer to the season – you have to do that to prepare players for the rigours of the season. In saying that, there is always a risk of injury. 

“Cale and Zach had a strong body of work up until now and although their program will be interrupted for a few weeks, we are confident they have a good grounding under their belt and the setbacks shouldn’t have too big of an effect on them.”