Joe Daniher, son of former club great Anthony and brother of current player Darcy, has firmly set his sights on a 2013 AFL debut.

With Joe committing to Essendon just under a month ago, the Bombers will select the 16 year old under the father son rule in the 2012 National Draft.

Eligible to commit to both Essendon and the Sydney Swans, Daniher told Bomber TV the decision to continue the Daniher dynasty at Essendon following the likes of his father Anthony and uncles Terry, Neale and Chris, was not made lightly.

“The decision to come to Essendon was tough, and one that took a few months to make as I had to get my head around things pretty quickly.

“With Darcy already being here and home not too far away, I almost couldn’t help wanting to come and play for this great club,” Daniher told Bomber TV. 

Joe acknowledged the opportunity to spend the week at Essendon provided him with the chance to establish his future surroundings.

“Being around the club recently, it has been great head start in getting to know both the people involved and the players at the club. It’s been great getting to know their personalities and the way in which they go about various things and has also proved to be a great opportunity for me,” Daniher said. 

Click here to watch the interview with Joe on Bomber TV.

Daniher credited his father, Anthony and brother Darcy as influences on his playing capabilities and his love for the game.

“Dad has always been a great help for me in terms of my football, and has shown me a lot of guidance. That said he has also tried to take a step back and let me learn things on my own, and learn things the way I want to learn them, and I think that is important.

“Darcy has been a huge influence on me too. He has had three years now at the Essendon Football Club and from that I have been able to watch him and see him grow,” Daniher said.

Joe is eagerly awaiting the opportunity to continue the proud history of the Daniher’s playing with Essendon.

“The waiting game starts now and hopefully I can fast track a little bit of my development when I come in to the club in 2013. It’s an excellent opportunity and I cannot wait to get into things here at the Essendon Football Club.”
 
 
Also attending Essendon training from the AIS this week is 17 year old Elliott Kavanagh.
 

Kavanagh, a 185cm midfielder, has demonstrated in his training that he’s a very talented footballer with class, balance and poise.  He will play for the Western Jets this year in the TAC Cup and currently attends Penleigh & Essendon Grammer (PEGS).  He will enter the 2011 AFL Draft.