Joe Daniher will continue a family tradition when he lines up in the red and black for his AFL debut against Carlton at the MCG on Friday night.

Daniher was taken under the father/son rule as Essendon’s first round draft selection in last year’s national draft.

“It is obviously very exciting and I am starting to feel a little bit nervous now but I am looking forward to the opportunity,” Daniher told BomberTV.

“It has been a dream of mine since I was a little kid and to get that opportunity is a really exciting moment for me and I can’t wait to get stuck into it.”

The 19 year old has kicked 21 goals from 7 matches in the VFL this season and is not feeling too much pressure ahead of his long awaited debut.

“The football club has been really good in looking after me and we have got some really good forward line players who have helped me out a lot,” Daniher said.

“I have learnt a lot off them and they are going to look after me hopefully like I will be able to look after them.”

“I will play a role wherever I get on the ground and hopefully get a kick or two.”

Coach James Hird said it was exciting to see Daniher making his debut in such a big match for the club.

“Congratulations to Joe who is carrying on the great line of Daniher tradition at this football club and what a family name it has been at Essendon,” Hird said.

“It is great to see Joe play his first game of football on Friday night, obviously his father Anthony played a number of games for the club as a key defender for the club and a great player.”

“He is the third one our of that family to play but out of all the Daniher’s it is a fantastic legacy at our football club.”