Brisbane Lions star Joe Daniher tipped to bounce back to form after poor display against Bulldogs

There is pressure on Brisbane Lions star Joe Daniher to lift his form on Thursday night against Collingwood.

Joe Daniher needs to find some form against the Magpies. Picture: Daniel Pockett/Getty Images

Lions co-captain Lachie Neale has predicted Brisbane fans will see the “best of” enigmatic forward Joe Daniher at the Gabba on Thursday night against Collingwood.

Daniher had a night to forget last week at Marvel Stadium in Brisbane’s 14-point loss to the Western Bulldogs.

The high-profile former Essendon star was astray with his kicking, booting four behinds and no goals.

He also had the chance to set up teammate Charlie Cameron for what would have been a certain goal but instead went for a speculative shot at goal, which only resulted in one point.

Daniher’s second and third efforts were also lacking, and while he wasn’t the only Lion to struggle, a lot more is expected of the 2017 All-Australian representative.

Neale expected Daniher to hit back against the undefeated Magpies.

“He still could have kicked probably two or three (last week) but he missed a few,” Neale said

“I know that he was a little bit disappointed with his game, but I’m sure we’ll see the best of Joe on Thursday. He’ll be doing everything he can to get the best out of himself.”

Lions forward Joe Daniher had an unhappy night against the Bulldogs. Picture: Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images

The Lions will also be desperate to get the best out of themselves after an ordinary start to the season, with Brisbane having dropped two of its opening three matches.

“We’re excited to go out and hopefully put on a show for our fans and for ourselves as well,” Neale said.

“(It’s a) great opportunity Thursday night with the footy world watching, so we’re looking forward to the challenge against one of the best teams in the competition.

“For a couple of years now they’ve been probably the benchmark. (Premiers) Geelong obviously last year were at another level, but Collingwood have been so consistent for the past 12 months and is a really hard team to stop and to play against.”

The Magpies are set to include former Lions forward Dan McStay, who will come up against his old club for the first time since moving to Collingwood after the end of Brisbane’s 2022 campaign.

“He gave great service to this footy club. We loved him as a bloke and as a player,” Neale said.

“He’s a much-loved figure, and the crowd can sort that out for yourselves. I know that all the players don’t receive the warmest of welcomes when they go back to their original team. I found that out first hand (at Fremantle).

“It should be a great atmosphere and I can’t wait to play in front of them (the fans) and I’m sure ‘Macca’ is looking forward to getting back here as well.”

Neale also seemed confident that veteran defender Daniel Rich would be available for selection after missing the loss to the Bulldogs because of a quad injury.

Originally published as Brisbane Lions star Joe Daniher tipped to bounce back to form after poor display against Bulldogs