Essendon selection gamble on Joe Daniher reeks of desperation, Warren Tredrea says

An AFL great has cast doubt on Essendon’s big decision to roll the dice on star Joe Daniher — and its potentially disastrous consequences.

467 days in between drinks for Joe Daniher.

Essendon’s big gamble on selecting Joe Daniher to play his first game in 467 days has been labelled “desperate” by former Power forward Warren Tredrea.

Bombers coach John Worsfold on Wednesday confirmed Daniher has been selected to play his first game for the club since the star requested to be traded to Sydney during the 2019 AFL Trade Period.

Daniher hasn’t played since Round 9, 2019 — more than 460 days ago.

His return to face the Hawks on Thursday night in Adelaide comes at a time when the

Bombers desperately need a spark to breathe new life into their spluttering finals push — and Tredrea believes the club is playing with fire by turning to Daniher.

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Speaking on Channel 9’s Talk of the Town on Wednesday, Tredrea said he felt bad for Daniher to be tossed straight into the deep end.

“On the surface, it reeks of desperation, let’s be honest boys,” the Port Adelaide legend said.

“He hasn’t played… he hasn’t played forever and that’s why I feel bad for him. We know what happened to him in the off-season, we know he wanted to get a greater opportunity and a new lease on life up in Sydney.

“I just hope he goes well because he’s close to the most unstoppable forward in the game when he’s at his best.”

Tredrea also said the decision to play Daniher comes with potentially disastrous consequences for Essendon with widespread speculation continuing to suggest Daniher will request another trade at the end of the season.

His return to the footy field could add bargaining power in Essendon’s likely trade negotiations at the end of the season — but if he fails to make an impact or suffers any further injuries, Essendon could be left with trade offers of even less than what the Swans reportedly offered last year.

Joe Daniher at training.

“There’s value in it for Essendon,” Tredrea said.

“(But) if he goes and gets injured or doesn’t perform, all of a sudden the value plummets. So it’s a big risk either way.”

The Brisbane Lions were also linked to a potential move for Daniher in a report earlier this month.

Daniher, who played just 11 games for the Bombers across 2018 and 2019, requested a trade to the Swans last year but they were unable to strike a deal and he returned to Essendon.

Worsfold said on Wednesday Daniher had “worked his backside” off to get back on the park.

“We’re really excited that Joe’s done the work to be available ready to step back up and play some footy, which is great for Joe, great for us, great for footy,” Worsfold said.

“It’s just such a big step forward for everyone because I’m a big believer that these young men should love playing the game and one of our responsibilities (as coaches) is to give them the opportunity to play and enjoy footy.

“So regardless of any expectations on Joe coming back, our expectation is that he just enjoys the game and enjoys getting out there with these teammates.”