On Wednesday, Essendon CEO Xavier Campbell sent out a letter to the Essendon members.
The message to his army of fans was essentially letting them know that the club is throwing its arms around wantaway forward Joe Daniher, after his trade request to Sydney was blocked during the trade period.
Campbell praised the key forward and says he is confident Daniher will “fall back in love” with the club.
“I wish to acknowledge the professionalism Joe Daniher has shown throughout this period,” Campbell said.
“We know it has been a challenging period for him as he strives to get back out onto the field fit and firing, but in my discussions with Joe recently, I know he is ready to hit the ground running in 2020.
“He will continue to be supported by his coaches and teammates, and the broader club and I know our members and supporters will also do the same.
“We look forward to seeing Joe, alongside our entire playing list, back out on the training track when they return to the club throughout November.”
Whilst It's a nice sentiment from Campbell and good of him to get on the front foot, I’m not convinced this 'softly, softly, keep Joe happy at all costs tactic' is the right approach.
For Daniher’s career is at a complete crossroads.
We know his best football is scintillating and as good as any key forward in the competition. His four goals off NO preparation on ANZAC day this year is testament to that.
However, raw talent will only get you so far.
His career to date has been underwhelming. Some of which has been no fault of his own. His troublesome groins have allowed him to play only 11 games in the last two seasons.
But… has Daniher done absolutely everything to get his body in the best possible shape to play this game? I’d love to get an honest answer from him to that question.
Daniher’s preparation and professionalism has been questioned by former team mate Brendon Goddard.
Now is the time to assess everything about the way he prepares. Before it’s too late.
He should analyse how he spends his 10 weeks annual holiday per year.
Does he hire a personal trainer?
How often does he get treatment?
Has he sourced the best dietitian?
Is he training multiple times per day, seven days a week?
Does he look at the best athletes in the world - such as New England quarterback Tom Brady - to find out how they prepare themselves?
That’s what the best players in the AFL do.
At 26 years of age next year, he has only two losing finals to his name and only one top-10 best and fairest finish from his seven years in the AFL.
That is just not good enough for a player of his ability and pay grade. We hope he doesn’t throw his enormous ability down the drain, but right now that is a real possibility of happening.
Joe Daniher’s career is at a significant crossroads and no trade request and potential escape to Sydney, nor a kiss kiss, softly softly, smooth things over approach from the Bombers is going to change that.
He’s not the only player in the competition that needs a big off-season to make sure they return in peak physical and mental condition for day one of pre-season.
I’m asking you, which player in the AFL needs a massive summer?
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