Magpies beware ... Joe’s back in town

AS SOON as Joe Daniher marked on the lead just outside the 50m line early in the last quarter yesterday he knew what he was going to do.

The Essendon key forward turned around, pointed to the goals and walked back to begin his run-up.

In his 101st AFL game but first in 349 days, Daniher unloaded a bomb on his left foot from 55m that started right but swung back left and found its way between the big sticks.

His celebration with teammates showed how thrilled he was to be back and his performance would have warmed the hearts of Essendon fans after groin and calf issues had devastated his past 11 months.

Daniher’s day was not without a bit of rust around the edges. There were dropped chest marks and a free kick was given away for leaping too early at the ball and getting in the back of an opponent.

However, having only played one JLT Series match in the pre-season it was about as good as you could expect.

The final-quarter goal was Daniher’s second of the day after he also snapped a major in the opening term.

In addition to the two goals, the 25-year-old also logged 10 disposals, five marks and six score involvements.

But it was not just what Daniher did with the ball that impressed, the young star playing a strong team-first game which also had him chasing and tackling, helping Tom Bellchambers in the ruck and getting back to help his teammates in defence.

Now he has the weekend off, a six-day break and a game under his belt heading into next Thursday’s blockbuster.

Watch out, Collingwood.