The critics came for Joe Daniher. 

In a season that was getting more difficult with each passing week, the young forward was lambasted from all quarters during a month that wielded 3.8 from four Essendon defeats.

His goal kicking was analysed from every angle, his confidence was questioned and his technique was doubted.

As the team experimented with several options up forward, it left Daniher as the only mainstay inside 50 and a focal point for Essendon’s output to be measured.

The bulk of Essendon’s goal kicking burden fell upon the shoulders of a 21-year-old who, in almost any other side, would still be afforded the patience a developing forward needs.

However, Daniher does not lament the extra responsibility. Instead, he hopes to thrive on it.

“Football is a seriously tough game and to be one of the better players and to have a greater impact on this footy club I need to be a player that gives the same output week in, week out,” he tells Fox Footy.

“I want to be someone my teammates can trust and put a lot of faith in. It’s something I’m trying to build at the moment.

“I don’t want to be a competitive player for a week, but for the whole year. That’s something I’m really excited about. It’s a great opportunity for me and something I’m looking forward to.”

Into just his third season of senior footy, Daniher’s strong character is personified by him assuming a leadership position within the team’s forward line.

Vote for Joe in the AFL Players 22under22 side here

Assisting swingmen Cale Hooker and Jake Carlisle, the youngster has had to set the example for elder statesmen of the club.

Although he has been thrust into the role, Daniher is ready to grasp the “fantastic opportunity” presented to him.

“Not a lot of younger players get thrown into the AFL system and get this sort of opportunity to play week in, week out,” he says.

“But I want to take it by the scruff of the neck and make it my own and hopefully I can have an impact in the forward line for a long period of time.”

Daniher responded to his critics with five straight in a drought-breaking victory over Melbourne in Round 15.

Performances like that have seen him become one of five key forwards to be named in the AFLPA’s ‘22under22’ squad.

“It’s a pretty exciting little group,” Daniher says. “I’ve really enjoyed watching Jeremy Cameron, I got to see Tom Lynch first hand last week and when you put Jesse Hogan and Ben Brown in there too, it’s an incredible group.”

A goal kicking technique that had taken time for Daniher to fully trust was finally nailed in that match against the Dees, which could ultimately prove to be the defining moment in his career.

But, as crucial as his output was to Essendon’s victory, Daniher still left the MCG that day with frustrations.

His five-goal haul was a timely reminder to all of his potential. But to Daniher, he won’t be satisfied until he’s producing that level of performance on a consistent basis.

“It’s quite frustrating to have good performances one week and then be inconsistent the next week,” he says.

“I’m trying to make sure there’s not a great difference between games. It’s something that’s going to take a lot of work, but it’s something that I’m really committed to working on.”

Daniher’s partnership with Bombers legend Matthew Lloyd has been well documented throughout the year.

The Dons’ all-time leading goal kicker was enlisted to work with the youngster in order to improve his technique. The training has paid dividends, with Daniher’s 34 goals in 2015 already a career-best.

Speculation has mounted recently that Lloyd could leave his post at the end of the season, but it is unlikely to hinder their working relationship.

“I’ve got an incredible relationship with Lloydy now, it’s something that we’ve built up knowing each other for a while,” Daniher says.

“I’d love for him to stay and I’d love to continue working together, but I understand he has a life outside of Essendon. It’s tough for him to do everything at once.

“I’ve got no doubt regardless of what he decides to do that we’ll continue to have a relationship as friends and he’ll always be there to help me with my career. I’m really thankful to have that relationship with him.”

But there’s one aspect of Lloyd’s coaching Daniher is unlikely to take up.

“If I start to miss a few in a row I might have to resort to chucking the grass up in the air, but not yet,” he jokes.