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AFL trades 2020: Star forward Joe Daniher officially joins Brisbane after Essendon fail to match offer

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Catherine HealeyThe West Australian
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Joe Daniher has officially joined Brisbane.
Camera IconJoe Daniher has officially joined Brisbane. Credit: SCOTT BARBOUR/AAPIMAGE

Joe Daniher is officially a Lion, with Essendon choosing not to match Brisbane’s offer today.

The Bombers will now get pick seven in the upcoming AFL Draft as compensation.

“Joe Daniher is now able to join the Brisbane Lions immediately,” AFL House said in a statement.

The Lions had tabled a three-year deal which will place Daniher in the top five per cent of contracts for players aged over 25, according to 7NEWS reporter Tom Browne.

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Daniher’s deal is the first major domino to fall in this year’s free agency.

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The forward had tried to join Sydney while still contracted to Essendon at the end of last season, citing a desire to live outside of Melbourne.

But the Bombers played hard ball and a deal couldn’t be done.

Now a restricted free agent, Daniher was able to nominate a club of his choice.

Bombers general manager of list and recruiting Adrian Dodoro described the pick seven compensation as a “fair deal”.

“Having selection six and now obtaining selection seven will help strengthen our overall position ahead of the upcoming trade period and national draft,” Dodoro said.

“I would like to thank Brisbane for their dealings in recent weeks. We feel we have reached a fair deal.

“Finally, on behalf of the club, we would like to thank Joe for his contribution to the Essendon Football Club over the past eight seasons and wish him and his family all the very best for their future.”

Essendon now currently holds picks six and seven in the upcoming AFL Draft, and have their sights set on pick eight for departing defender Adam Saad.

Daniher played just 15 games in the past three season due to ongoing injuries, but remained a key part of the Bombers’ future plans.

Essendon CEO Xavier Campbell said earlier today he was disappointed Daniher chose not to stay at Tullamarine for 2021.

“I thought we got to a position where Joey was really close to staying,” he said on SEN.

“I think the length of time it took for him to make that decision is a reflection that we got much closer than people think.”

Daniher arrived as a father-son draft pick in 2012 and played 108 games for the club.

Brisbane footy boss David Noble said he was pleased to get Daniher’s signature.

“Joe is exactly the type of player we were looking to add to our list,” Noble said.

“He is a quality person and highly respected player who will compliment our forward line.

“He also fits perfectly within the age bracket we are looking for, at 26-years-of-age he brings experience to our playing group and we also believe his best years are ahead of him.”

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