Robert Shaw has praised Essendon forward Joe Daniher for the way he maintained his composure despite missing several shots at goal.

Daniher was one of the Bombers best performers in the win over Melbourne, pulling down 15 marks and kicking two goals. 

But it could have been an even more dominant display, with the 22-year-old also kicking four behinds. 

“He arrives the day he kicks like a (Tony) Lockett, or a (Matthew) Lloyd, or a (Scott) Lucas and just nails those shots,” Shaw said. 

“To Joe Daniher’s credit, he missed that goal, he got straight back up – he didn’t appear to be outwardly frustrated – and he went and won the next contest. 

“He didn’t sulk on those critical misses. 

“He was magnificent in the way he got on with the game and he presented.”

After a slow start against Gold Coast in round one, Essendon flew out of the blocks during the opening exchanges against the Demons.

The Bombers laid 22 first quarter tackles compared to the opposition’s 11.

“I thought the writing was on the wall for Essendon – and for Melbourne – in the first 15 minutes, when Essendon had 80 per cent of territory inside their forward 50,” Shaw said.

“If there was one area to focus on, it was the pressure in the forward line and keeping the ball in there.

“It allowed an undersized defence to set-up and organise themselves behind the ball.”

Shaw said James Kelly played a key role in organizing the zone across half-back.

The three-time premiership-winning player has made a bright start to his Essendon career, averaging 27 possessions across the first two games.

Shaw also praised the performances of Matt Dea, Anthony McDonald-Tipungwuti, Brendon Goddard and Adam Cooney.

“He’s had his critics – he may have wonky knees – but Adam Cooney played his best game for the Club, I thought he was instrumental when the pressure was on.”