TSL VOTES: MAGPIE MAKES FLYING START AFTER STINT INTERSTATE

HEADING to Queensland for a stint in the NEAFL was never originally only a one-year plan for Daniel Joseph.

After playing in Glenorchy’s 2016 TSL premiership, the rebounding defender relocated north and joined Aspley, where he went on to win the club’s best and fairest award, as well as being named in the team of the year and represent the NEAFL against Tasmania.

Now, having moved home in the off season, he has slotted seamlessly back into the fold at the Magpies, who have started the season in emphatic fashion by knocking off both of last year’s grand finalists.

Joseph has personally started the campaign in strong touch, benefiting from mixing it with AFL-listed players, which has helped his development.

“I wasn’t planning on just having one year away but I bought a house and had to move back, but home is always home,” Joseph said.

“I had a pretty good year at Aspley, I was a lot more footy focused because I moved away from home but it was a lot different, a lot more pressure up there.

“I think I have developed a lot more and gained a lot of experience, playing against quality players, guys who are with the AFL sides, you picked up a lot from that.”

The left-footer picked up two votes in the Pies away victory against North Launceston, moving him into an equal share of the lead early in the season following his best afield performance against the Bombers.

With the side appearing on track under new coach Paul Kennedy, Joseph said there was a buzz around KGV following the disappointment of the premiership defence last season.

“The core group is still here from when I was there last time, we all know how to play with each other and it’s been pretty easy to settle back in.

“He [Kennedy] is a really good people person and really good for the young guys, it is a good place to be around at the moment, really exciting.”

Glenorchy hosts North Hobart under lights at KGV this Friday night, before a quick four-day turnaround heading into the Anzac Day clash with Tigers.

“We just need to get through these next couple of weeks,” Joseph said.

“It will be a tough period with only a couple of days break in between but hopefully we will be right.”