From Moonee Valley Leader
Reported by Patrick Lane
Full Story Click Here
JOE Daniher flirted with an Anzac Day AFL foray after dismantling Casey Scorpions' army of backs at Windy Hill on Saturday.
But it was not nearly enough to save Essendon's hide, the Bombers' thrashed in the VFL clash, 25.12 (162) to 11.13 (79).
Daniher, the father-son acquisition at Essendon sending the red and black army in a spin, jagged four majors and clunked 12 marks.
The 201cm son of 233-game Anthony, Daniher saw off Casey stoppers Michael Riseley and Troy Davis and kept opposition coach Rohan Welsh busy despite the Bombers' meagre forward supply.
Essendon, which withdrew Scott Gumbleton as AFL cover for Stuart Crameri, went to the first break just four points adrift before the Casey side boasting regular AFL Demons David Rodan, Sam Blease and James Magner leapt ahead.
The Scorpions had a 28-point buffer at the main interval and an unassailable 69-point lead at the final change, Essendon crashing to its second-straight VFL loss. Daniher was a clear standout for the Dons, while William Hams, defender Kyle Hardingham and rookie Ariel Steinberg impressed.
Bombers assistant-coach Paul Corrigan, entrusted with the media commitments in lieu of coach and regular spokesman Hayden Skipworth, said a youthful Essendon was still finding its feet at the VFL level.
"With a young list you're always going to have ups and downs. The job we have is to try to find a consistent level," Corrigan said.
Daniher is perhaps the proverbial poster boy of Essendon's cub-like offerings, and Corrigan likes what he sees.
Essendon plays North Ballarat at Eureka Stadium at 2pm on Saturday.
