The boy doing a man’s job

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ANTHONY Daniher is not nervous for his not-so-little boy.

Essendon coach Mark Thompson has earmarked Joe Daniher for the second ruck spot in tomorrow night's season-opener against North Melbourne.

And while others might be worried about the physical demands on the 20-year-old his dad Anthony, a former key Bombers defender himself, is only excited.

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''He can ruck in small spurts,'' Anthony told the Herald Sun.

''Is he ready for full-forward? Is he ready for centre half-forward? The answer is no, but he's learned the caper and he's smart enough to look after himself and keep out of trouble.

''He's not going to wrestle any giants, and he's just got to play a role and he will play that pretty well.''

Joe Daniher unloads a shot at goal on his left boot. Photo by Michael Dodge Source: Getty Images

Daniher was expected to largely play key forward this year, but with Tom Bellchambers (foot) injured and Thompson probably reluctant to go with rookie ruckman Fraser Thurlow, Daniher has been thrust into the role as Patrick Ryder's No.2.

And it hasn't escaped anyone the similarities between Daniher and Bombers great Paul Salmon.

In his first season, 1983, Salmon played nine games and kicked 14 goals as a gangly giant in the goalsquare.

Daniher's first season, 2013, produced five games and three goals.

Both destined to become monster full-forwards, Salmon became one of the game's great ruckman behind Simon Madden, and it would appear Joe Daniher will play a similar role behind Ryder.

''It will be a support role to Paddy,'' Anthony said.

''And if they do only pick the two talls, being Paddy and him, well, he's just got to accept some responsibility and he'll do that.

''He loves playing the ruck, he knows how to play that really well, he played a lot of ruck as a junior.

''I think it's a bit like the Madden/Salmon combination. If you can get some quality support in different positions out of players, it gives your team so much more flexibility.''

Joe Daniher flies high in the practice match against Richmond. Photo by Michael Dodge Source: Getty Images

As Salmon filled out his body over a stunning 19 seasons, Daniher has also added definition to his frame.

Not that you can believe the information supplied to the 2014 AFL season guide.

It has Daniher listed at 201cm and 90kg. Last year, he was 201cm and 94kg.

So, he bulked up and dropped 4kgs?

''He's put on a little bit, not a lot, I don't want him to put on a lot,'' Anthony said.,

''He's a nice size and he needs to stay lean, we don't want him to get too big because you just can't move.

''And if you look at some of the really big key forwards of today, it's no good being big and trying to use strength as an advantage because you're to easy to cover with the second man up.

''So, you've got to get on your bike, get out and about and make them work, and if you can keep that mobility I think you're much better footballer in the modern era.''

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