All eyes were on Joe Daniher after he arrived at the Lions as the competition’s biggest off-season signing.
And from day 1, he showed his determination to live up to the hype.
The former Bomber did not miss a beat over the pre-season, ranking among the top few for completed sessions in his first summer in Queensland.
It was his ability to get fit and remain injury free, that was the big question after his departure from the Bombers.
Everyone knew he could play.
Lions fans who wondered how long it would take him to settle into his new environment and also regain the resilience to perform each week after managing just 15 games across his previous three seasons, needn’t have worried.
He started the season in the side and stayed there all year, kicking a goal in every match of the home and away season – the first time that feat had been achieved since he did it for the Bombers in 2017.
His 46 goals for the season rank second only to his All-Australian season in 2017, the year he also collected the AFL’s Mark of the year and Essendon’s best and fairest.
There is no doubt Big Joe is capable of finding another gear in his second season at the Lions, however he produced some stunning performances in 2021.
He was determined to have a big game against his old Club and ticked that box in round five when he collected a career high 25 disposals to go with two goals.
He finished the season with three bags of four goals and kicked two or more in another 10 games.
Standout Performance: Joe Sets the Standard in the West
In a hostile WA environment, Daniher returned to his Essendon best in Round 21 against Fremantle.
A four-goal performance was highlighted at the stroke of half-time, when Daniher slotted a tough set shot from the boundary to give the Lions a 45-point lead at the main break.
Finishing the day with 17 disposals, 7 marks and a 64-point win, it was a day to remember for Joey.
Daniher also kicked 4 goals against Geelong in Round 15 and West Coast in Round 23.
He also collected a career-high disposal count in Round 5 against his old side, Essendon, racking up 25 touches.
Season Averages
Disposals - 14.3 (Elite)
Kicks - 10.8 (Elite)
Goals - 2.9 (Above-Average)
Marks - 4.9
Goal Accuracy - 48.9
