AFL Draft prospect Josh Eyre could join childhood heroes at Essendon

Josh Eyre hopes to join Essendon, the club he grew up supporting and is tied to via its academy, as a possible future replacement for Joe Daniher.

Josh Eyre in action at the pre-draft training session.

When Josh Eyre grew up watching Joe Daniher he never imagined he might one day replace him.

That looms likely with the exciting 198cm athlete tied to Essendon through the club’s NGA Academy and the Bombers in need of key forwards at the AFL Draft.

However, he might not come cheaply with a number of clubs circling the Calder Cannons product following a stunning Vic Country combine and pre-draft training performance.

Eyre lit up November’s combine, clocking a 6.30 2km time trial and 2.98 20m sprint but it was his leap that caught recruiters attention.

The Kilmore junior was one of four players nationally to record top-10 running vertical jumps on both right and left legs, reaching 87cm on his right and 93cm on his left.

Josh Eyre in action during the pre-draft training session.

Eyre revealed he’d been working with former AFL fitness coach Adam Larkin and was rapt his efforts during the cancelled season had paid off.

“It’s been tough but it’s given me time to build up my body, my strength and speed, and turn myself into a better athlete,” he said.

“I’ve always been a good long-distance runner but my speed hasn’t been a strength until this year.

“I went to Adam Larkin late last year and he taught me how to sprint properly and build up strength in all the right areas.”

It helped him impress at last week’s pre-draft training session for Victorian hopefuls, showcasing his athleticism and winning a number of one-on-one contests against highly-touted rivals.

An Essendon fan growing up, Eyre has modelled his game on Daniher and hopes to join fellow Calder forward Harry Jones at Tullamarine.

Josh Eyre in action for Calder Cannons. Picture: Andy Brownbill

Josh Eyre in action at the pre-draft training session.

“I had a week with them in December and did a few sessions at the start of the year before COVID hit,” he said.

“I see a lot of myself in Joe Daniher and I also like Tom Lynch’s playing style.

“Being an Essendon supporter it would be amazing but my goal is just to get on an AFL list and get that opportunity.”

A bid for Eyre could come as early as the second round with Essendon also looking to secure Cannons teammate and defender Cody Brand.

If drafted he would become the first Kilmore product taken since Mark Kinnear (Collingwood) and Jason Johnson (Essendon) in 1996.

Eyre also stands to make history as the first Alex Rance Academy student to reach the AFL.

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Studying at the academy’s Essendon campus, Eyre flourished and hopes to study sports science at university.

“It’s really good, I had a great teacher and I’ve absolutely loved it,” he said.

“I feel like the learning is more engaging for boys my age and then we do high performance stuff in the afternoons.

“It’s a lot about personal development, which I love, I feel like I’ve grown a lot in my time there.”