Essendon star Joe Daniher to play first game since May, 2018 in opening JLT Series match

Essendon star Joe Daniher will make his long-awaited return against Carlton in the opening JLT Series match after finally overcoming osteitis pubis, an injury that has plagued him since the start of last season.

Joe Daniher will face Carlton on Thursday night. Picture: Getty

Essendon star Joe Daniher will make his return to football against Carlton on Thursday night in the Bombers’ opening JLT Series match at Ikon Park.

As reported by the Sunday Herald Sun, Daniher has been declared fit to play after finally overcoming osteitis pubis.

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The 24-year-old forward, who was restricted to just seven games last year and hasn’t played since May, will play limited game time against the Blues.

His return is a significant boost for Essendon ahead of Round 1.

“Joe’s had a good progression of match play here over the last month,” Essendon fitness boss Justin Crow told the club’s website.

Joe Daniher will face Carlton on Thursday night. Picture: Getty

“We’re really comfortable with how he’s progressing, he’s showing no signs of not doing well with his program that we’ve set out, so he’ll be available to play some of the game in JLT (game) one.”

There had been some fears Daniher would face a delayed start to the season after making slow progress in his return to full training.

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Daniher in action at Essendon training. Picture: Getty

Daniher flies for a mark. Picture: Getty

Coach John Worsfold allayed those fears in the Sunday Herald Sun when he declared his star forward was ready to return, it was just a matter of deciding when he should be unleashed to give him the best preparation for Round 1.

Daniher booted 65 goals in a breakout season in 2017 where he won All-Australian honours and claimed Essendon’s best and fairest.

The Bombers open their season against Greater Western Sydney on March 24.