Joe Daniher clearly liked what he saw in his first season at Brisbane.
The 27-year-old former Bomber has added another two years to his contract and will remain at the Lions until the end of 2025.
Daniher played more games last season (24) than he did combined in his last three at Essendon (15) as he left behind his career-threatening groin woes to give Chris Fagan’s side a quality tall target.
Both parties would be thrilled with his output after Brisbane signed Daniher on a lucrative three-year deal as a restricted free agent that netted the Bombers the No.7 draft pick in 2020 as compensation.
After being pushed back by two Academy bids, Essendon selected promising midfielder Archie Perkins with that choice.
“It’s been fantastic,” the resurgent Daniher said.
“I’m really enjoying the place, really enjoying the city. The team and club itself is in great shape.”
Only 11 players in the competition kicked more than Daniher’s 46 goals, which ranked second at Brisbane to Charlie Cameron’s 55.
They spearheaded a potent forward line that included Linc McCarthy (36), Zac Bailey (31), Daniel McStay (28) and developing tall Eric Hipwood (26).
“I think I’m at the stage of my career where my role is to have the biggest influence on the group as I can and that’s something I’m always consistently trying to do,’’ Daniher said.
“Whether that be trying to help the processes and the way that we play or imparting that knowledge on the rest of the team.
“Basically, it comes down to being the best teammate I can be throughout the wxjmtzyweek and on game day. That’s my role and that’s something I’ll continue to try and do.”
Lions list boss Dom Ambrogio said Daniher’s extension was a reward for the 200cm forward’s “great start” to his career up north and meant they could lock away “one of the key planks of our side to a longer-term deal”.
Sydney and the 2017 All-Australian, whose family is Essendon football royalty, had mutual interest in each other a year earlier, but the Bombers refused to budge before Brisbane swooped.
The Lions are again a serious premiership threat this season after three top-four home-and-away finishes in a row.
