Daniel Younan to play first full-time local footy season in a decade

It’s been a decade since Daniel Younan played suburban footy full-time but the decorated VFL forward has plenty to be excited about at Bundoora.

Daniel Younan in action for Essendon. Picture: Hamish Blair

After hanging up the VFL boots, Daniel Younan will play his first full-time local footy season in a decade in 2022.

Not since running around for Taylors Lakes in the EDFL in 2011 has Younan played solely at suburban level, carving out a decorated VFL career with Coburg and Essendon.

The star midfield-forward was named Bombers co-captain this season and played his 100th VFL game before deciding to call time.

He’ll be a major boost to a Bundoora team that finished second this season, adding another dangerous weapon to an attack that already boasts Sam Lloyd, Jesse King and John Jorgensen.

Younan has been linked to the Bulls since 2017, winning a NFL Division 1 premiership in his first season, and is looking forward to passing on his experience to the Bulls’ young talent.

“I helped them out when I could (this year) with a bit of coaching, the culture and camaraderie they’ve got as a group, I don’t think I’ve seen anything like it,” he said.

“It’s pretty special and was a big part in me wanting to go again and get another year out of my system, they’re an exciting group.

“I was lucky enough to play a couple of games with them this year, I think we’ve got a good blend of talent.

“The young brigade coming through and then the leadership of Hamish Shepheard, Sam Lloyd, Thommo (Nathan Thomas), David Mitchell and Nipper (Marshall).

“The younger boys, they’re just hungry to learn and want to play good footy. They drove most of the pre-season, it’s a credit to them.”

Younan will be an assistant to senior coach Michael Ryan, along with Thomas, Neil Gloury and Chris Hunt.

“You meet a lot of people in footy and he’s (Ryan) top of the bunch, you don’t meet a lot like him, so I’m fortunate that I’m going to spend most of my time with him,” Younan said.

“I’m looking forward to running out with my good mate, Thommo, I played with him at Coburg.

Daniel Younan takes a strong mark for Essendon. Picture: Michael Klein

“To be able to spend a full-time gig with him again, I’m most looking forward to that to be honest.”

Younan played five VFL games and two NFL games this season, his season interrupted by a shoulder injury suffered against Northcote Park in May.

He returned after a month on the sidelines against Geelong and made his last appearance for the Bombers against Sandringham.

Retirement hasn’t sunk in just yet but he’s looking forward to a break before pre-season begins.

“I wouldn’t say (retiring) was difficult, it probably won’t hit me until I watch them run out next year,” Younan said.

BEARS: LEGENDARY COACH RETURNS TO NORTHERN LEAGUE

LEADER: GET YOUR NORTHERN FOOTY NEWS HERE

TALENT: THE 2021 TOP 150 LOCAL FOOTBALLERS REVEALED

“Towards the end I was taking it all in, every time I went to training, because I knew it was my last year. I tried to make the most of it.

“(The time off) has actually helped me, now I can reset, regenerate, get what I need to get right.

“I still want to play good footy, the body is feeling pretty good, I’ll take a bit of time off the legs and get ready to launch again.”

Coburg-listed trio Bailey Thompson, Jackson Davies and Nathan Howard have all re-signed as well as key players skipper Brent Marshall, Lloyd, Thomas, Shepheard, Kane Proctor, Luke Collins, Brenton Keating and Kyle Green.