Big Joe steals show

JOE Daniher has made a sensational return to football, helping spearhead Essendon to a stunning 16-point comeback win over Hawthorn.

The star forward snagged three goals from 14 disposals and 10 marks, and showcased his supreme aerial power, reeling in two high grabs in the Dons’ third-term burst at Adelaide Oval on Thursday night.

His comeback will fuel hopes the 26-year-old can recapture his best after recurring groin problems.

The stirring win, after being 36 points down, lifted the Dons to ninth and within sight of the finals.

Daniher said he aimed to play in Essendon’s last four games, if he pulled up well in the coming days.

“I feel really good and I have got the training in, so I have been working hard and hopefully I can play out this year,” said Daniher, in his first match since Round 9 last year.

“It has been frustrating, but I just had to stick to the process and make sure I got the injury right.”

Hawthorn spearhead Jon Patton could be sidelined for the rest of the season with a suspected calf injury.

The luckless forward’s nightmare injury run continued when he clutched his leg and hobbled off in the first term. Patton, 27, will be sent for scans today and is in danger of missing at least three weeks which could wipe him out for the rest of the Hawks’ season.

The Bombers’ first half performance was slammed as “pitiful” by Collingwood great Michael McGuane but the Bombers produced a stunning five-goal third-term comeback to overrun the Hawks.

Daniher was pivotal in the comeback, taking three contested marks in a strong third term effort.