In fact playing in big games is nothing new to Misiti. In his 199 games at Essendon, he has played in 16 finals and won two day premierships. The former Keilor Park player won his first premiership medal at the young age of 19. Misiti is a born and bred Essendon boy and was drafted to Essendon in 1992 with Keilor Park teammate Mark Mercuri. ""I was on the senior list in 1992 when I was 17 but I played the entire year in the reserves apart from the two last games. Then I played every game in 1993 and played in a flag which was pretty nice,"" Misiti said.
“When I got to 100 games I thought it would be nice to play 200 one day. I have never looked too far ahead and have just taken each day as it comes. It has been great to play 200 games for the one club. There are not too many blokes that get to do that, so I am pretty happy about that,” Misiti said.
Misiti has spent most of his career in the engine room - his football smarts and quick skills ensuring he has always given his team first use of the ball. ""I had a stint on the half back line but I have played on the ball for probably 95% of my career. I hope to stay there for another couple of years,"" said Misiti. The 28-year-old has copped a lot of criticism over the years for his lack of pace and is always quick to point out how quick he is over 100m. ""I am still pretty slow – I haven’t lost any of my pace over the past 10 years which is one good thing.”
Misiti has had many on-field highlights in his 199 games at Essendon and said the 1993 and 2000 premierships were definitely the pinnacle. ""The two flags have definitely been the standouts in my football career. The game a couple of years ago when we came from 12 goals down against the Kangaroos. That was a fantastic game - even though I didn't get a kick! Also the 1993 preliminary final against Adelaide when we were down by seven goals at half-time. To win that and get into a grand final was pretty amazing,"" Misiti said.
Misiti is yet to achieve one of his main football goals – to win an Essendon best and fairest award. ""I have come second twice, one third, two fourths and a fifth - so I have come close a few times but haven't managed to nab one. So it would be nice to win one before I stop playing footy,"" Misiti says. The player affectionately known to Essendon supporters as ""Smokin' Joe"" believes he still has a few years left in the game. ""Anywhere between two and four years. We will see how the body goes and what my form is like. Long odds to make the 300 club but there is always a chance. When you get to the other side of 27, 28 you just have to take it one season at a time. It is a bit of a cliche but it is true,"" Misiti said.
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