The Daniher name looks set to return to Windy Hill with 18-year-old Darcy Daniher – the son of Essendon and Sydney star Anthony Daniher – nominating Essendon as his Club of choice under the new father-son rule.

 

Anthony Daniher played 115 games for Sydney and 118 for Essendon meaning his son had to nominate a club of choice as he was eligible for both under the father-son rule. Essendon was his Club of choice.

 
Speaking to The Age, Anthony said his son's decision was made, in part, due to new coach, Matthew Knights.
 
""Darcy's already built up a relationship with Matthew Knights by spending a bit of time down there during the year and we were very impressed with Matthew's direction and his plan for junior development,"" he said.
 

Daniher now becomes the first player to be subjected to the AFL’s bidding system, under changes to the father-son rule. Clubs have to nominate which draft pick they would be prepared to use to pick Darcy up in the draft. Essendon then need to use its next best pick to secure Darcy.

 

Should Essendon decide the draft selection they would be forced to use is too high and baulk at using that selection, the Club which has nominated the highest draft selection will be forced to use that pick to secure him. It is felt that Darcy would have been a third or fourth round selection under normal circumstances.

 

“He is around 192cm and a versatile key position player at both ends of the ground. He is exactly the type of player we are looking for and we are really delighted he has selected Essendon as his preferred club. I am sure it was a decision he thought long and hard about so we are really pleased,"" Essendon list manager Adrian Dodoro said.

 

“He just turned 18 last weekend and we think he has a lot of potential. He really has that typical Daniher spirit, he is a great character and a very hard worker.""

 

Daniher was among the best players for the Calder Cannons in their Grand Final Day victory over the Murray Bushrangers last weekend. He has not trained with Essendon but has visited the club a number of times and has been impressed by the approach of new senior coach Matthew Knights.