Joe Daniher is in rare form and it’s made more impressive by Essendon’s poor inside 50 stats

JOE Daniher is in rare goalkicking form and the lack of supply he’s getting from the Essendon midfield makes his hot run of form even more impressive. SEE THE STATS

Joe Daniher had a day out against the Eagles. Picture: Wayne Ludbey

THESE are the numbers Joe Daniher’s manager should slide across the desk when he next sits down with Essendon list bosses.

The footy world has marvelled at the out-of-contract spearhead’s arrival as a goalkicking force.

Daniher — who appears certain to stay at Tullamarine — has slotted 13.2 in the past three weeks and has been more prolific in front of the sticks than Nick Riewoldt, Josh Kennedy and Tom Hawkins were in their first 79 games.

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But it is the Anzac Day medallist’s extraordinary efficiency which has been overlooked. Daniher is mauling backlines off minimal supply.

After Round 9, the Bombers rank 16th for inside 50s. Only Brisbane Lions and Carlton forwards are receiving less looks than Daniher.

With the Dons’ new midfield still searching for synergy, they are generating only 47.4 entries per match.

Joe Daniher had a day out against the Eagles. Picture: Wayne Ludbey

That is four less opportunities per quarter than Port Adelaide goalkickers. It adds a new layer of gloss to a budding new star.

On Sunday, the Bombers again failed to crack 50 entries. It didn’t worry Daniher, 23, who slotted 4.0 before halftime and finished with 5.0.

The inside 50 count isn’t by design.

“We’re still a low inside 50 team,” coach John Worsfold said on Sunday.

“We want to get better and more efficient at getting the ball inside our forward line. That’s from clearances, and also from our rebound from our back 50 and making the most of those opportunities.”

Since slotting 1.6 against Melbourne, Daniher has gone from Pokin’ Joe back to Smokin’ Joe, with his teammates full of praise.

“He’s one of those players that you love watching when you’re out there because anywhere from 50 or 60 out, that left foot can put it through the middle,” midfielder David Zaharakis said

Veteran Brendon Goddard compared Daniher’s athleticism to a young Buddy Franklin on Anzac Day.

“It’s kind of in the Buddy mould,” Goddard said.

How much is Joe Daniher worth? Picture: Wayne Ludbey

“Buddy was the first to have that agility and sideways movement (with) speed as well.

“Joey’s obviously an elite mark and he moves really well — there’s not too many his size that are capable below their feet like he is with his agility and sideways movement.”

And it was hard to argue with when Daniher grabbed a bouncing footy, sold candy to twirl past Geelong’s Mark O’Connor and dobbed a left-foot goal from 52m last week.

For the record, after nine games Buddy has kicked 27.21 and Daniher 26.18.

Fans have enjoyed the refreshing enthusiasm Daniher plays with, alway wearing a smile on his face.

Imagine the grin on Daniher’s dial when he starts getting the supply he deserves.

GOALS AFTER 79 MATCHES

Joe Daniher (Ess) 134

Nick Riewoldt (St K) 128

Josh Kennedy (WC) 127

Tom Lynch (GC) 122

Tom Hawkins (Gee) 107

SUPPLY SHORTAGE

Average inside-50s

1st Port Adelaide 64.5

2nd Adelaide 58.9

3rd Gold Coast 56.2

...

16th Essendon 47.4

17th Brisbane Lions 46.6

18th Carlton 46.2

Source: Champion Data