Brisbane star Joe Daniher is reportedly considering whether or not to play on in 2024, and could retire immediately following the Lions’ grand final clash with Sydney.
The 30-year old has been crucial in the Lions’ surge to the decider, kicking 56 goals from 26 games in 2024 to date, including the final two goals and four for the game in their come-from-behind win over GWS in the semi final.
His efforts this season were good enough for selection in the 44-man All-Australian squad for the second consecutive season.
However, according to 7 News’ chief AFL reporter Mitch Cleary, the grand final could be Daniher’s swansong, claiming Daniher is ‘considering his AFL future’, despite having a further year to run on his Lions contract.
“It’s understood the 30-year-old has spoken to those close with him in recent weeks about whether he will play on in season 2025,” Cleary told 7 News Melbourne.
“Daniher is contracted for next year, but those at the club have made no secret in the past as to how much he enjoys living his life in the northern NSW beaches, two hours outside of Brisbane.”
The son of Sydney and Essendon great Anthony, Daniher was selected by the Bombers under the father-son rule at the 2012 national draft, making his debut the next year.
A shining light amid the Bombers’ infamous supplements saga, Daniher was selected for his sole All-Australian team after a 65-goal season in 2017, but struggled with injuries for the remainder of his time at the club, managing just 15 games in his final three seasons.
He requested a trade to the Swans at the conclusion of 2019, but the Bombers opted to hold him to his contract after a deal couldn’t be struck during that season’s trade period; however, with his contract expiring just 12 months later, Daniher elected to join the Lions as a free agent.
He has missed just six games in four seasons as a Lion – all in 2022 – while he needs four goals on grand final day to reach 60 goals for the second consecutive year.