John Worsfold has praised the attitude of Aaron Francis after his failed trade request

HE may have wanted out of Essendon in the off-season, but you wouldn’t know it from the way Aaron Francis is attacking the pre-season. Plus, how good can Joe Daniher be in 2018?

Aaron Francis has returned to Essendon in top condition. Picture: Tom Huntley

ESSENDON coach John Worsfold has praised the attitude of Bombers youngster Aaron Francis following his failed trade request.

Francis requested a move to his home state of South Australia in early October, keen to get more opportunities at senior level after only five games in two years with the red and black.

However, a deal couldn’t be done for the former No. 6 draft pick who has two years left to run on his current contract.

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Despite the setback, Worsfold said Francis had put in a big off-season.

“I think he’s learnt a massive amount about himself and AFL footy in his first two years and has a lot better understanding about where he can take his footy,” Worsfold said on SEN radio.

“He’s come back in very good nick. The kid’s pretty much done it on his own in Adelaide on his break, he knew what he wanted to do and he’s done it.

Aaron Francis has returned to Essendon in top condition. Picture: Wayne Ludbey

“We’re right behind him, and once we didn’t do a trade we were committed to helping him play the best footy he can.”

Francis played 14 games in the VFL last season, splitting his time between forward and defence.

Meanwhile, in scary news for opposition defenders across the competition, Worsfold is predicting key forward Joe Daniher to have an even bigger 2018.

The 23-year-old is coming off his strongest year in the red and black, booting 65 goals to finish third in the Coleman Medal race behind only Lance Franklin and Josh Kennedy.

Daniher was also an All-Australian, won Essendon’s best and fairest and was awarded the Anzac Day Medal and Mark of the Year.

“The kid’s got a great attitude to wanting to get the best out of himself,” Worsfold said.

“He’s not one of these guys that’s going to sit back, (and say) I’ve won a best and fairest, I’ve been All-Australian, now I’m going to sit back and just enjoy it.

Joe Daniher will be even better in 2018, says John Worsfold. Picture: AAP Images

“He knows he can still improve, he’s still in his development years as a tall key forward.

“Joey is really committed to challenging himself to keep getting better and help Essendon now have some success, which on field is win finals footy, that’s what we’re all there for.

“That’s what Joey’s focus will be.”

The Bombers kicked off their full pre-season training on Monday, with off-season additions Jake Stringer, Adam Saad and Devon Smith hitting the track for the first time with their new teammates.

Essendon will open its 2018 campaign with a home game against Adelaide at Etihad Stadium.