Latest news with #JoeDaniher
Yahoo
04-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Lions coach responds after whispers about huge retirement backflip for Joe Daniher
Brisbane Lions coach Chris Fagan says recent texts with Joe Daniher have left him convinced the veteran won't be coming out of AFL retirement. Rumours have been swirling in recent days that the former premiership winner could make a stunning retirement backflip, having finished his career by helping Brisbane win last year's grand final against Sydney. The former All-Australian forward - who booted 395 goals in 204 AFL games for both Essendon and the Lions - has been linked with a move to the Sydney Swans in recent days. But Fagan says he's been keeping in touch with Daniher while the 31-year-old holidays in Europe and would be 'very surprised if Joey ever plays footy again', let alone with one of Brisbane's rivals. Speaking before the Lions' clash with Port Adelaide at the Gabba on Saturday, Fagan emphatically shut down the prospect of Daniher making a comeback when asked by reporters. "I'm nearly 100 per cent sure, 99.99 per cent sure," Fagan said about the 31-year-old remaining retired. "Joe is enjoying life at the moment and the other thing I'd be confident with is if he did (come back), he would play with us. I've been texting him a little bit while he's been in Portugal and Spain, enjoying life, so I don't think he'd be in great nick right now. "I'd be very, very surprised if Joey ever plays footy again." Daniher was an integral part of Brisbane's charge to the premiership last year but retired with a year still to run on his contract, citing amongst other things, business interests outside of footy. It was the perfect way to bow out as Daniher ended his glittering career by booting Brisbane's final goal in the 60-point grand final thumping of Sydney. And despite recent links to the Swans, veteran AFL reporter Jon Ralph echoed Fagan's comments by insisting the veteran is 'not making a shock comeback'. "The market is so thin that clubs are asking about him,' Ralph told Fox Footy's Midweek Tackle. 'He's been linked to Sydney in the last week or two, of course they were the club that were really interested in him initially and then he found his way to Brisbane. 'Sydney's asking everyone including Jamarra Ugle-Hagan, but Daniher's really set up financially, he's not interested in the money. I think if he was a one per cent chance he'd come back to Brisbane anyway, people close to him say he is a zero per cent chance." Fagan's second-placed Lions host the 10th-placed Power on Saturday fresh off a bye. But while Brisbane have lost just two games on the road since last season's mid-year bye, their 4-3 record at home this season is something Fagan is keen to fix after they went all of the 2023 regular season unbeaten at home. "We've been a very good team on the road and we haven't been a very good team at the Gabba," Fagan said about the Lions' form in 2025. "(This week's been about) a bit of the why, but mostly what are we going to do about it. It's pretty important when teams come here teams they feel really uncomfortable." RELATED: AFL slammed over mid-season move that could change Brownlow winner Vision emerges of sneaky Zak Butters act he copied from Nick Daicos AFL responds to rival coach's concerns over 'unsafe' surface at SCG The Power (7-8) are two wins outside a crowded top-eight but Fagan knows how quickly things can change in the league and won't be allowing complacency to creep into their game. "You can have a loss and tumble three or four spots," the Brisbane coach said. "We shouldn't feel comfortable ... and we play a team this weekend that's still a live chance to play finals, sort of where we were at the same stage last year. They'll be coming in all fired up, thinking they're a chance because of the way we've played at the Gabba." with agencies
News.com.au
04-07-2025
- Sport
- News.com.au
Brisbane coach Chris Fagan has put a big black line through any chance of a Joe Daniher comeback
Brisbane Lions coach Chris Fagan has laughed off any suggestion retired premiership winner Joe Daniher was thinking about an AFL return declaring he'll be very surprised' if he ever plays footy again. The rumour mill had linked Daniher, who pulled the pin after last year's premiership win after just 204 games, with a year to go on his contract and aged only 30, to Sydney and a lack of potent key forwards across the AFL fuelled the fire for a comeback. But Fagan, who has been in contact with Daniher as he travels the world, blissfully happy in retirement, was quick to put a line though his former charge on Friday. 'I'm nearly 100 per cent sure, 99.99 per cent sure,' Fagan said ahead of the Lions' clash with Port Adelaide on Saturday. 'Joe is enjoying life at the moment and the other thing I'd be confident with is if he did, he would play with us. 'I've been texting him a little bit while he's been in Portugal and Spain, enjoying life, so I don't think he'd be in great nick right now. 'I'd be very, very surprised if Joey ever plays footy again.' The Lions return to action after their bye with the run to September being guided by a new, secret theme the coach is driving as his team, second on the ladder, looks for back-to-back titles. 'We've got one, but I'm not going to tell you what it is,' he said of his latest catchphrase. 'I don't want the world to know ... I might let you know if it works, down the track.' But Fagan was clear that the message revolves around arresting a 4-3, win-loss record at the Gabba this season. The Lions didn't lose a game at home in 2023, and after losing the opening three home games last season, switched gears and finished with eight wins from 12 games on their way to premiership success. 'We've been a very good team on the road and we haven't been a very good team at the Gabba,' Fagan said. '(This week's been about) a bit of the why, but mostly what are we going to do about it. 'It's pretty important when teams come here teams feel really uncomfortable.' Fagan also knows how tight the competition is, and with a top-four finish crucial to get back to the grand final, doesn;t want to let the game against the 10th placed Power slip. 'You can have a loss and tumble three or four spots,' Fagan said. 'We shouldn't feel comfortable ... and we play a team this weekend that's still a live chance to play finals, sort of where we were at the same stage last year. 'They'll be coming in all fired up, thinking they're a chance because of the way we've played at the Gabba.' Darcy Fort will ruck on Saturday and fit-again Oscar McInerney will be rested after playing two VFL games, Fagan mindful of a five-day break before the Lions play Carlton in Melbourne next Thursday.
Courier-Mail
03-07-2025
- Sport
- Courier-Mail
Truth behind wild Joe Daniher comeback rumour
Don't miss out on the headlines from AFL. Followed categories will be added to My News. Whether Joe Daniher will come out of retirement or not can be revealed, while the Dockers have made a big call on their ruck stocks. Plus, why a key trade target is in 'no rush' and the key re-signing that is a massive win for the Kangaroos. Stay up to date with the latest player movement developments with AFL Trade Whispers! FOX FOOTY, available on Kayo Sports, is the only place to watch every match of every round in the 2025 Toyota AFL Premiership Season LIVE in 4K, with no ad-breaks during play. New to Kayo? Get your first month for just $1. Limited-time offer. NO SHOCK RETIREMENT BACKFLIP FOR STAR Despite the rumblings, Brisbane Lions premiership forward Joe Daniher is a 'zero per cent chance' of doing a retirement backflip, according to the Herald Sun's Jon Ralph. Daniher retired at the end of last year after playing 204 games at the top level, culminating in the ultimate success with Brisbane in 2025. Reports have recently linked him to the Sydney Swans, but Ralph has since quashed those rumours. 'He's not making a shock comeback. The market is so thin that clubs are asking about him,' Ralph revealed on Fox Footy's Midweek Tackle. Clubs were trying to get Joe Daniher to come out of retirement. 'He's been linked to Sydney in the last week or two, of course they were the club that were really interested in him initially and then he found his way to Brisbane,' he said. 'Sydney's asking everyone including Jamarra Ugle-Hagan, but Daniher's really set up financially, he's not interested in the money. I think if he was a one per cent chance he'd come back to Brisbane anyway, people close to him say he is a zero per cent chance. 'He's got businesses to interest him as well, he's on the trip of his life in Europe right now, wouldn't that be lovely, but say it ain't so, no Joe.' Daniher won six club goalkicking awards throughout his career and was named All-Australian and Essendon's best and fairest in 2017. FREO MAKE RUCK CALL Fremantle are in the luxurious position of having not one, but two star rucks as a part of their squad right now in Luke Jackson and Sean Darcy. Jackson has flourished with more ruck time in 2025, especially when Darcy has been sidelined at various stages with knee and ankle injuries. The pair are both locked in to long term deals at the Dockers, Darcy until 2030 and Jackson until 2029, but Jackson's recent form, which has seen Darcy miss selection on occasion, has led to speculation that rival clubs could chase Darcy. But the Dockers have given reassurances to Darcy that he is still a key cog in their planning. Appearing on AFL Media's Gettable this week, Darcy's agent Scott Lucas from Phoenmix Management Group said the star ruck wouldn't be on the move. 'The first point is just to have a chat to Freo, just to ask how they think it's going. That's just a manager and a player doing their job. On the back of that, they reinforced how important they think the two-ruck role is,' Lucas said. 'Sean has been more than OK with that, in my discussions with him. It's not something we dwell too much on. I certainly understand it, though. Gee, it takes up a lot of talk time doesn't it? 'I often relate it to the back-up quarterback and the way that clubs shape their list around it. The majority of rucks are one-position players, but you can't just have one or two on your list. If you carry four, then 10 percent of your list is for one position. But it's when you get injuries in that position, you're desperate to have another one.' The Dockers are still working through the mix, but it certainly worked a treat against the Saints on the weekend, when the pair both stood up in crucial moments. 'I understand the position and why and part of it is Luke has played really good football. But no (clubs haven't asked the question of Darcy and his future) is the short answer,' Lucas said. 'We've had some discussions with Freo, as it is our job and it is regularly occurring, and they're really invested in both the rucks and how they can work together for the benefit of the team.' 'NO RUSH' ON KEY TRADE TARGET Sam Walsh is in no rush to make a call on his future, despite rival clubs circling the star Blue. Walsh is contracted at Ikon Park until the end of 2026, but manager Scott Lucas said the star midfielder is in no rush to make any decisions right now. 'I think there's a lot, through no intention of any of the players, but all of those players continue to be talked about. Like there's not a day that goes by and it's on the back of their performance, I think, isn't it? That's fair to say Carlton aren't performing where they expect,' Lucas told AFL Media's Gettable. 'They've got five or six excellent players and all of those. I mean, I read a quote yesterday that, you know, the only player that shouldn't be on the table is a player that hasn't played a game yet in Jagga Smith. So that starts the narrative. 'But as for our discussion with Sam and Carlton, there is no need for one at the moment. I mean, he's got another year and a half under contract, all going well, loves the club, close with the guys. So for our perspective, it's just let it unfold as such.' When quizzed on whether the Blues had started discussions with Walsh, Lucas had this to say. 'We're always in discussion with clubs around players like that, so we've had a discussion. At this stage he's not playing, so there's no rush in that sense. But please read nothing into it.' MCKERCHER'S BIG TASSIE CALL Colby McKercher has signed a two-year contract extension at North Melbourne, tying him to the club until the end of 2028. The young gun's signature is a huge win for the Roos, given Tasmania were expected to circle the star youngster as one of their marquee players. McKercher is now the only Tasmanian contracted beyond 2027, when the Devils are slated to enter the competition. The Tasmanian duo of Bulldogs midfielder Ryley Sanders and young Giant James Leake are both yet to re-sign with their respective clubs since being drafted, but for McKercher, he's hoping the Roos continue to rise. 'The potential that we could be playing finals next year with the way I see the group and how we are improving is really exciting and that is definitely a big reason why I re-signed,' he said. Of course, McKercher could always request a trade, but as it stands, it's a huge win for the Kangas. Originally published as Truth behind wild Joe Daniher comeback rumour
News.com.au
03-07-2025
- Sport
- News.com.au
Truth behind wild Joe Daniher comeback rumour
Whether Joe Daniher will come out of retirement or not can be revealed, while the Dockers have made a big call on their ruck stocks. Plus, why a key trade target is in 'no rush' and the key re-signing that is a massive win for the Kangaroos. Stay up to date with the latest player movement developments with AFL Trade Whispers! FOX FOOTY, available on Kayo Sports, is the only place to watch every match of every round in the 2025 Toyota AFL Premiership Season LIVE in 4K, with no ad-breaks during play. New to Kayo? Get your first month for just $1. Limited-time offer. Despite the rumblings, Brisbane Lions premiership forward Joe Daniher is a 'zero per cent chance' of doing a retirement backflip, according to the Herald Sun's Jon Ralph. Daniher retired at the end of last year after playing 204 games at the top level, culminating in the ultimate success with Brisbane in 2025. Reports have recently linked him to the Sydney Swans, but Ralph has since quashed those rumours. 'He's not making a shock comeback. The market is so thin that clubs are asking about him,' Ralph revealed on Fox Footy's Midweek Tackle. 'He's been linked to Sydney in the last week or two, of course they were the club that were really interested in him initially and then he found his way to Brisbane,' he said. 'Sydney's asking everyone including Jamarra Ugle-Hagan, but Daniher's really set up financially, he's not interested in the money. I think if he was a one per cent chance he'd come back to Brisbane anyway, people close to him say he is a zero per cent chance. 'He's got businesses to interest him as well, he's on the trip of his life in Europe right now, wouldn't that be lovely, but say it ain't so, no Joe.' Daniher won six club goalkicking awards throughout his career and was named All-Australian and Essendon's best and fairest in 2017. FREO MAKE RUCK CALL Fremantle are in the luxurious position of having not one, but two star rucks as a part of their squad right now in Luke Jackson and Sean Darcy. Jackson has flourished with more ruck time in 2025, especially when Darcy has been sidelined at various stages with knee and ankle injuries. The pair are both locked in to long term deals at the Dockers, Darcy until 2030 and Jackson until 2029, but Jackson's recent form, which has seen Darcy miss selection on occasion, has led to speculation that rival clubs could chase Darcy. But the Dockers have given reassurances to Darcy that he is still a key cog in their planning. Appearing on AFL Media's Gettable this week, Darcy's agent Scott Lucas from Phoenmix Management Group said the star ruck wouldn't be on the move. 'The first point is just to have a chat to Freo, just to ask how they think it's going. That's just a manager and a player doing their job. On the back of that, they reinforced how important they think the two-ruck role is,' Lucas said. 'Sean has been more than OK with that, in my discussions with him. It's not something we dwell too much on. I certainly understand it, though. Gee, it takes up a lot of talk time doesn't it? 'I often relate it to the back-up quarterback and the way that clubs shape their list around it. The majority of rucks are one-position players, but you can't just have one or two on your list. If you carry four, then 10 percent of your list is for one position. But it's when you get injuries in that position, you're desperate to have another one.' The Dockers are still working through the mix, but it certainly worked a treat against the Saints on the weekend, when the pair both stood up in crucial moments. 'I understand the position and why and part of it is Luke has played really good football. But no (clubs haven't asked the question of Darcy and his future) is the short answer,' Lucas said. 'We've had some discussions with Freo, as it is our job and it is regularly occurring, and they're really invested in both the rucks and how they can work together for the benefit of the team.' 'NO RUSH' ON KEY TRADE TARGET Sam Walsh is in no rush to make a call on his future, despite rival clubs circling the star Blue. Walsh is contracted at Ikon Park until the end of 2026, but manager Scott Lucas said the star midfielder is in no rush to make any decisions right now. 'I think there's a lot, through no intention of any of the players, but all of those players continue to be talked about. Like there's not a day that goes by and it's on the back of their performance, I think, isn't it? That's fair to say Carlton aren't performing where they expect,' Lucas told AFL Media's Gettable. 'They've got five or six excellent players and all of those. I mean, I read a quote yesterday that, you know, the only player that shouldn't be on the table is a player that hasn't played a game yet in Jagga Smith. So that starts the narrative. 'But as for our discussion with Sam and Carlton, there is no need for one at the moment. I mean, he's got another year and a half under contract, all going well, loves the club, close with the guys. So for our perspective, it's just let it unfold as such.' When quizzed on whether the Blues had started discussions with Walsh, Lucas had this to say. 'We're always in discussion with clubs around players like that, so we've had a discussion. At this stage he's not playing, so there's no rush in that sense. But please read nothing into it.' MCKERCHER'S BIG TASSIE CALL Colby McKercher has signed a two-year contract extension at North Melbourne, tying him to the club until the end of 2028. The young gun's signature is a huge win for the Roos, given Tasmania were expected to circle the star youngster as one of their marquee players. McKercher is now the only Tasmanian contracted beyond 2027, when the Devils are slated to enter the competition. The Tasmanian duo of Bulldogs midfielder Ryley Sanders and young Giant James Leake are both yet to re-sign with their respective clubs since being drafted, but for McKercher, he's hoping the Roos continue to rise. 'The potential that we could be playing finals next year with the way I see the group and how we are improving is really exciting and that is definitely a big reason why I re-signed,' he said. Of course, McKercher could always request a trade, but as it stands, it's a huge win for the Kangas.
The Age
26-04-2025
- Sport
- The Age
AFL 2025 round seven LIVE updates: St Kilda Saints, Brisbane Lions face off at Marvel Stadium
Latest posts Latest posts 1.30pm Neale goals The Lions can't find a tall target so their little champion Lachie Neale has roved the ball from a marking pack and snapped a goal. The Saints have landed tackle after tackle but can't clear the ball. Finally, the Lions have made them pay for it. Lions 7, Saints 0 with 13 mins to go in Q1. 1.29pm The Lions miss Joe Daniher... These early moments of the first term show how much the Lions are missing premiership winning forward Joe Daniher who retired after last year's premiership. The Lions have had the better of the field positions and possession while they are regularly intercepting the Saints when they try to exit defence. But they can't find a marking target and that is where they miss Daniher so, so much. It's 8-1 on the inside 50 count according to Fox Footy, yet the Lions have just a point to show for it. Lions 1, Saints 0 with 14 mins to go in Q1. 1.14pm Who will respond? Lacklustre Lions or mauled Saints? By Jon Pierik The Saints have made their way out on to the field. They need to show something today, having slipped since a 3-1 start to the season. Defeats to GWS and the Western Bulldogs have been a reality check for Ross Lyon's men. 'I felt like we dropped our bundle ... yeah, it was a mauling,' a shattered Lyon said of a 71-point loss to the Bulldogs. There are few tougher challenges than the Lions, who are stinging after their loss at home to Collingwood on Easter Thursday. Coach Chris Fagan said his men had been 'lacklustre' against the Magpies. What will their response be? 1.10pm Late change for Lions; subs named By Jon Pierik Brisbane have made a late change, losing key defender Jack Payne (illness) an hour before the bounce. Payne has been replaced by Darcy Gardiner, who will play his first game for the season. Midfielder James Tunstill will be the Lions' starting sub, while veteran Zak Jones will start as the Saints' sub. 1.04pm AFL greats' lessons prep young gun for Brisbane test After spending every day soaking up advice from two of St Kilda's greatest ever midfielders, Hugo Garcia is ready to test his mettle against the Brisbane Lions' champion on-ball brigade. A youthful St Kilda outfit will attempt to bounce back from a disappointing loss to the Western Bulldogs when they host the reigning premiers at Marvel Stadium on Saturday. Brisbane's midfield, headlined by dual Brownlow medallist Lachie Neale, Josh Dunkley and Will Ashcroft, is coming off a loss to Collingwood and will pose a stern test. But it's not one Garcia, still just 19, will shy away from. 'It should be a good challenge for me. I like competing against the best - that brings the best out of myself,' Garcia told AAP. 'It'll be good to compete against a Brownlow medallist like Lachie Neale 'It'll be good to see what he does and hopefully implement that in my game for the future. 'Josh Dunkley is also one of the star players in the competition and Will Ashcroft's an up-and-coming young midfielder, so it'll be good to test myself against those players.' Coming off nine games in his debut season under Ross Lyon in 2024, Garcia has appeared in the Saints' past six games, impressing through the midfield and averaging 16 disposals and four clearances. He's got plenty of experienced heads to guide him. 'It's been great to learn and grow off experienced midfielders in there like Jack Macrae and Jack Steele,' Garcia said. 'They've really helped me develop and become a better footballer. 'Then on the coaching side of things, Robert Harvey and Lenny Hayes have really been helping me learn midfield craft and just getting better as a whole. 'We've got a really talented young group coming through to push each other every day.' Growing up, Garcia admired Collingwood skipper Scott Pendlebury's composure, while he's reaping the benefits of reviewing vision with club great Hayes. But above anything, he credits his improvement to hard work. 'It's a brutal competition and if you're not working hard and not trying to improve every week, you're not going to get very far,' Garcia said. 'I've just put in the hard yards and hopefully you reap the rewards 'A lot of us young players have really bought into Ross's system and had a really good pre-season. So it's good to see us young boys getting a crack at it. 'There's a real hunger within the group to earn a spot in the side and then perform to keep it. 'As each week goes on I think my confidence will keep building.' St Kilda (3-3) have already claimed one big upset this year, beating Geelong, and are ready to take it up to Brisbane (5-1). 'We're very optimistic,' Garica said. 'We think that we can challenge any team in the competition.' St Kilda have regained Dougal Howard and recalled Isaac Keeler while Liam Henry and Arie Schoenmaker were dropped. Brisbane forward Kai Lohmann returns from injury in place of Sam Marshall. 1.03pm Ah Chee, Zorko reach milestones Two Lions premiership players reach milestone matches today when they take on St Kilda. From Lions media: AH CHEE TO PLAY 150 GAMES Brisbane Lions forward Callum Ah Chee will run out for his 150th AFL match against St Kilda at Marvel Stadium today. Ah Chee was initially selected out of Western Australia with Pick eight in the 2015 draft by the Gold Coast SUNS. The versatile playmaker then found his way to the Lions ahead of the 2020 season and has since become a premiership player and fan favourite. AFL LIFE MEMBERSHIP FOR ZORKO Premiership veteran Dayne Zorko achieves AFL Life Membership today. Zorko receives the honour with a combined 300 games across Brisbane Lions (283 premiership games, 14 pre-season games, 2 international matches). 1.03pm Good afternoon G'day everyone. I'm Roy Ward and welcome to our AFL live blog as we follow today's Saturday matches for round seven and continue the Anzac weekend following yesterday's stirring match at the MCG between Collingwood and Essendon. St Kilda and Brisbane kick us off today with a 1.20pm AEST clash at Marvel Stadium followed by Port Adelaide and North Melbourne then the night match at 7.30pm AEST between GWS Giants and Western Bulldogs in Sydney. It should be a super day, enjoy the hours to come.
