Garry Lyon tees off on Lions Joe Daniher’s costly misses against Richmond

Brisbane Lions’ big name recruit Joe Daniher come to the club with high hopes but an AFL great questioned if he’s the man for the big moments.

Joe Daniher came under fire from Garry Lyon.

The Brisbane Lions have powered away for a dominant 15.12 (102) to 11.8 (74) win over the Richmond Tigers.

The result continues the inconsistent form for the defending premiers despite flying out to an early lead off a three-goal first term from Jack Riewoldt.

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The Tigers got off to a flyer before the Lions fought back, controlling the match from the front from late in the second quarter.

But the Lions were ruing an uneven kicking display that kept the Tigers in the game.

At halftime, Richmond looked well in reach of the game at just seven points down.

The score was 7.9 (51) to 7.2 (44) and while he wasn’t the only one to blame, Daniher was singled out by Fox Footy commentators having missed two goals from set shots around 40m out from in front.

If the Lions kicked a bit straighter that could’ve been a shellacking #afl

— Mark Gottlieb (@MarkGottlieb) May 21, 2021

And former Melbourne skipper Garry Lyon said it shows that maybe Joe Daniher isn’t the man to come up in big games for the Lions.

Daniher had played just 15 games with 18.20 over the last three seasons he was at Essendon before being traded to the Lions during the off-season.

Since the move, he has 17.15 in 10 matches for his new side.

Daniher didn’t have his kicking boots on tonight.

But he still wasn’t sold on Daniher as a game-breaker for the Lions.

Daniher finished the match with 1.4, but Zac Bailey and Eric Hipwood kicked four each in the game.

“You take your chances when they present themselves and I’ve got grave concerns for Joe Daniher going forward,” Lyon said. “I’m sorry about this but I’ve got grave concerns because you can’t trust him in front of goal. He’s winning it, fair enough, he’s having his shots but I’ve got grave concerns.”

Nick Riewoldt added: “They’re in the game because they haven’t been put away, which Joe Daniher plays a part in that. But Joe hasn’t been involved in the really big games as well, when you feel the pressure when you’re standing 40m out right in front and the stakes are at their highest.”

Jonathan Brown said he had played big games with Essendon.

”It’s undeniable that Browny,” Lyon quickly replied. “I know he’s done it in big games, but I see him tonight and the way that he’s missing those goals says to me he has not worked it out.

“In September, when it’s on the line can you trust him?”

Brown replied: “He is capable of the yips, but he’s been better this year. He’s been capable of the yips no doubt about it …

“But when the game is on the line, can you trust him?” Lyon interjected.

“It all remains to be seen,” Brown said.

Daniher kicked his first goal late in the third quarter, opening up a 17-point lead with a kick around his body.

Daniher got through plenty of work on the night.

But while Lyon was doubting Daniher’s abilities, fans were still behind the star.

Daniher is a gun. Will be the difference in the lions bid to win the premiership after 2 years of we almost. Free’s up Hipwood who gets the 2-3 defender. Love @MitchRobinson05 wish he still played for the blues #star

— Brendan Fevola (@BrendanFevola25) May 21, 2021

I should elaborate.

I love the work Joe Daniher does to bring teammates into the game.

Such an almost night so far could have 3-4 goals but I've loved his workrate.

— Tim Michell (@tim_michell) May 21, 2021

I wonder if Daniher coming to the Lions has just mentally freed him up? He no longer is the one the Lions rely on constantly for a goal and that might make him feel comfortable.

— John Hunt (@JohnHunt1992) May 21, 2021

Random nuffie: “Joe (Daniher) always goes for goal. He was never gonna pass that”

*Joe Daniher literally just had the kick of the night to set up Mathieson for the goal.

Jeez I’ve missed footy. #AFL#AFLLionsTigers

— Ned Balme (@NedBalmeLives) May 21, 2021

The dominant win was the Lions’ sixth straight, consolidating the side’s spot in the top four, although Geelong, Port, Sydney and West Coast could all still pull level by the end of the round.

Richmond are only just hanging on to their spot in the top eight.

Originally published as Garry Lyon tees off on Lions Joe Daniher’s costly misses against Richmond