AFL grand final: Joe Daniher expects uncle Neale to attend decider

While his teammates scramble for ticket requests, Lions star Joe Daniher might have an easier time getting his famous family to the game, including one very special guest.

HOLD FOR THE HERALD SUN PIC DESK-----MND fighter Neale Daniher and young Essendon star Joe Daniher at home. Picture: Alex Coppel.

Brisbane spearhead Joe Daniher expects inspirational uncle Neale to be in the crowd at the grand final this weekend as he sets about writing another chapter in the storied history of one of footy’s most famous families.

“He (Neale) better be there,” Daniher declared on Monday.

“I think we’ll find him a Brisbane scarf. It might be hard work to get it on him, but I think he’ll get there.

“It would be great to see him get along to the game. He’s doing fantastic work – a fantastic job – and he loves footy as much as anyone.”

While his teammates scramble to fulfil ticket requests this week, Daniher joked he would have an easier time given much of the family had other avenues available to attend.

Joe says he expects his uncle Neale to be there. (Photo by Michael Dodge/Getty Images)

“A lot of them can go and get their own tickets,” he chuckled.

“I’ll look after a few, but I think my uncles and dad can find their own tickets to the game.

“I’m excited to share the week with them and, as all our players do, bring their parents along for the ride.

“Everyone dreams back to that little kid that started loving the game and to get the opportunity to play in that last game of the year is fantastic.

“Hopefully all of our players can connect to that little kid (this week).”

The son of 233-game Swans and Essendon star Anthony, Daniher would deliver the family a fourth VFL/AFL premiership if the Lions topple Collingwood on Saturday.

The Lions’ towering talisman is rarely heard from since departing Essendon at the end of 2020 after a trio of injury-plagued seasons to link with Chris Fagan in Brisbane.

The decision to move on from a club synonymous with the Daniher name weighed heavily on his mind, before conversations with family and Fagan made the call much easier.

He was able to briefly reflect on that moment ahead of the biggest game of his career.

“My conversations with him (Fagan) feel like a long time ago now, but he was a really key driver in making my decision to come across,” Daniher said.

“There were a lot of things that fell into place that ended up in me landing here. There probably wasn’t one factor, but Fages was probably the sole driver of that – the main communicator to me.

“I owe him a lot for putting the faith in me to come up here and I’m really pleased with that decision and how it’s played out.”

Daniher will feature in his first decider this Saturday. (Photo by Quinn Rooney/Getty Images)

Heralded as the missing piece to Fagan’s premiership puzzle, Daniher endured some criticism in his first two years at the club but has rediscovered his brilliant best this campaign to help put the Lions on the cusp of a flag.

His 58 goals this season is the second-most of his career and best return since 2017.

After nursing a shoulder injury through last season’s finals campaign, a fully-fit Daniher looms as one of many Brisbane matchwinners on Saturday.

In two games against the Magpies this season he averaged 16.5 disposals and kicked five goals including three in the win at Marvel Stadium in round 23.

His ability to swap seamlessly with Oscar McInerney in the ruck will create a headache for the Collingwood defence.

Win or lose on Saturday, it’s clear Daniher is at peace with his decision to leave the Bombers and write a brand new chapter in the family’s history at the Lions.

“I’m just really enjoying my football and that’s why I play the game, because I enjoy it,” he said.

“That’s a really important factor for me and I feel like I’ve found my position in this team and contributing the way the club wants me to.”