Joe Daniher making progress in his comeback bid, according to coach John Worsfold
Joe Daniher was looking at potentially facing months on the sidelines with yet another groin issue. But with the AFL taking a break, what does that mean for his 2020 plans? Also, get the latest on Conor McKenna’s future at the Bombers.
Essendon
Don't miss out on the headlines from Essendon. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Joe Daniher could play in Essendon’s next game when the AFL season resumes later in the year, with coach John Worsfold saying the injury-plagued forward was making steady progress from his nagging groin issues.
And Worsfold hasn’t ruled out Irishman Conor McKenna playing a role later in the year, despite fears Australia’s borders might be closed long after the local shutdown restrictions are eased due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Daniher would have missed the first half of 2020 as he plots a return from the same complaint that has ruined his past two seasons.
But the AFL’s postponement of the season until at least June – and possibly longer – gives the 26-year-old a chance to play in the Bombers’ rescheduled Round 2, whenever that might be.
Relive classic AFL matches from the 60s to today on KAYO SPORTS. New to Kayo? Get your 14-day free trial & start streaming instantly
“Obviously what it means is that Joe might not have been available until round whatever it is – five, six, seven or eight – (now) potentially he’s going to be available for round two, which I’d be pretty excited about if I was Joe,” Worsfold said.
“He misses less footy than he potentially would have, and I’m sure that’s what he’s focusing on … as are players like Cale Hooker and Dyson Heppell who had resigned themselves to missing some rounds of footy this year and potentially may not miss too much.”
Daniher requested a trade to Sydney late last year, but a deal between the Swans and the Bombers could not be reached.
Worsfold said he couldn’t be sure yet the 2017 All-Australian forward would be fit to play again when football resumes, but said he had “absolutely” made ground in his recovery.
SUBSCRIBE TO THE HERALD SUN FOOTY PODCAST
“He’s allowed access to a physiotherapist through their practice, so that offers him the ongoing support and program that he was doing,” he said.
Worsfold said the club had been in communication with McKenna, who returned to Ireland following the AFL shutdown to be closer to his family.
He had only returned to Melbourne a few weeks earlier, after battling homesickness earlier in the year, and resolving to make a decision on his long-term future at the end of 2020.
“We’ll deal with whatever the rules and regulations are in place,” Worsfold said.
“We’ve got three young Irish guys back in Ireland, which was the right thing to do for this period.
“When everything starts to open up, our expectation is if they are allowed to come back, and get into it, we’ll get them back. If they have to go into two weeks’ quarantine to come back, they will do that.
MORE NEWS:
Essendon coach John Worsfold throws his support behind the AFL’s controversial quarantine hub option
AFL makes promise to clubs on plan for footy’s return
Top-20: The greatest Melbourne players from 1987-2020, led by Garry Lyon
“So much of that is out of our control.”
He was confident McKenna wanted to return, saying: “It’s not the end of 2020 yet … there’s a lot of footy left to be played hopefully this season.”
“My expectation is that he’s really keen and he’ll be over there following a training program and looking forward to getting back over here and getting into it.”
Originally published as Joe Daniher making progress in his comeback bid, according to coach John Worsfold