Essendon, Joe Daniher plan contract extension talks as Bombers downplay Harley chat

The rumour mill clicked into overdrive when Joe Daniher met with Sydney boss Tom Harley, but the star Bomber has moved to show his loyalty, with plans to sit down with Essendon and extend his stay at Tullamarine.

Joe Daniher wants to extend his stay at the Bombers. Picture: AAP

Essendon and Joe Daniher are open to exploring a contract extension in the coming months which could see the star forward relinquish his restricted free agency rights to remain a Bomber.

Daniher remains contracted to the Bombers until the end of 2020, but a meeting with Sydney chief executive Tom Harley last week heightened speculation the 25-year-old could be a target for the Swans.

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Harley and the Bombers were quick to point out there was “nothing sinister” in the meeting.

Essendon was told of the catch-up with Harley and understands it was a case of Daniher meeting with a long-time mentor while he was in Sydney to see his surgeon.

The Herald Sun can reveal Essendon has been in regular dialogue with Daniher’s management company, TLA Australia.

Both parties are keen to have further discussions before the end of the year to potentially alleviate further speculation headed into next season.

Joe Daniher wants to extend his stay at the Bombers. Picture: AAP

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Daniher has played only 11 games since his 2017 All-Australian season, due to an ongoing osteitis pubis injury, which required surgery earlier this season.

He will commence running in the next fortnight, and while he won’t play again this season, he has renewed confidence in his body after a frustrating past few seasons.

Daniher told ABC Grandstand on the weekend he “felt terrific … I’m about eight-and-a-half weeks post-surgery and will hopefully start running in the next fortnight or so.”

“I am feeling better. I’ve certainly had an improvement already. I won’t have an answer until I really get going with my hard training again, but all the signs look positive at the moment.

“I’m happy to have a bit of clear air and know we can keep moving forward and set myself up for a lovely, long pre-season.”

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