Why the next move of the AFL’s greatest enigma is anyone’s guess

Joe Daniher bounded into the Brisbane Lions’ euphoric rooms post-match with as much vigour as anyone, only briefly dimming as he witnessed the cameras and mobile phones ready to capture the moment.

The AFL’s greatest enigma then skipped past an army of media to get first dibs on an open esky, filling his hands with at least four XXXX Gold cans before being flanked by Deven Robertson and Eric Hipwood to belt out the Lions’ club song.

Star Brisbane Lions forwards Joe Daniher (right) and Charlie Cameron.Credit: Eddie Jim

What came next was entirely predictable.

Daniher made an instant beeline behind the netted area in the bowels of the MCG to escape the same reporters all keen to ask him the same question: “Did you just play your last game?”

He might have done that even if news had not broken this week that Daniher, who is contracted until the end of next season, might be about to retire.

After Gabba matches, the ex-Bomber has a seat he always darts to once he and his teammates are finished singing.

Daniher, again one of his team’s best in the 10-goal thrashing of Sydney after being outstanding in defeat on this day 12 months ago, spoke to host broadcaster Channel Seven, but either did so on the agreement the question would not be asked, or his former teammate Luke Hodge chose not to.

“I’m one of the lucky ones,” Daniher told Hodge.

Daniher celebrates a goal late in the grand final.Credit: AFL Photos

“I came here when the foundations were set, and we were in such a good place. They came from a long way back. A lot of people have come in late, so I’m so pleased for the whole club and the whole support team.”

Daniher capped his performance with a second goal late in the match, after which his teammates mobbed him, in what he described as “a beautiful feeling” and something he would remember fondly.

Everyone from teenage Lion Logan Morris to Eric Hipwood, Charlie Cameron and Hugh McCluggage sung Daniher’s praises on Saturday night, along with the club’s long-serving forwards coach, Murray Davis.

They painted a picture of a man disinterested in the trappings of fame but revered internally for his on-field feats and as a mentor and great teammate.

“Around the club, he is an amazing bloke – he’s probably one of the nicest blokes in the club. He’s so soft and gets around all us boys, teaches us throughout the week, and on game day, he’s even better,” Morris told The Age.

“He’s such a leader out there, and we all learn off him, and especially the back half of the year, he’s just really been a role model for us boys, and we love playing with him.”

Hipwood offered a similar version of events, saying he was “incredibly grateful” to share a forward line with Daniher and win a premiership alongside him.

“I lean on him so much for advice all the time, and he’s so measured with the way that he goes about things,” Hipwood said.

Davis also shared an insight into the Daniher they know from young forward-ruck Henry Smith’s AFL debut in round 19 against Gold Coast.

“Joe was really strong on making sure that we gave other people opportunities,” Davis said. “He was fully invested in Henry, and to a point where he almost sacrificed his own game for the good of Henry.”

McCluggage calls him an “enigma”, but also a genuine person, a good friend, a super talent and someone who “always puts the team first”.

The last word went to Charlie Cameron, Daniher’s small forward sidekick who has been a major part of this club’s rags-to-riches rise.

“He’s a quiet bloke around the footy club, but I can’t thank him enough [for everything he has done],” Cameron said.

“He’s had a super year, and he should have an All-Australian jacket [from 2024]. It’s a credit to him. He drives three hours from Byron Bay every day to training, and I hope he stays.”

None of them had the answer everyone wanted, but they all had the same answer for what they want to happen.

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