Lions star reportedly weighing up shock retirement after Grand Final
Brisbane Lions key forward Joe Daniher is reportedly mulling his AFL future ahead of Saturday’s grand final against the Sydney Swans.
It is understood the 30-year-old will take stock of his professional career following the decider, per Seven reporter Mitch Cleary on Friday.
Daniher, who is contracted for next season, will play his 27th game of the season against the Swans after playing 26 last year.
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“We can tell you tonight that speculation is mounting that Brisbane spearhead Joe Daniher is considering his AFL future after tomorrow’s grand final,” Cleary told Seven on Friday night.
“It’s understood the 30-year-old has spoken to those close to him in recent weeks about whether he would play on in season 2025.
“Daniher is contracted for next year, but those at the club have made no secret in the past as to how much he enjoys living his life in the northern New South Wales beaches, two hours outside of Brisbane.”
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Just a fortnight ago, Daniher was Brisbane’s hero in its semi-final comeback against the GWS Giants, booting four goals including the matchwinner in the waning stages of the fourth quarter.
He also crucially smothered a kick in the last quarter of the Lions’ preliminary final win over Geelong that led to Callum Ah Chee’s go-ahead goal with two minutes left.
The Calder Cannons product was the No. 10 overall draft pick in 2012 by Essendon and played eight seasons with the Bombers before jumping ship to Brisbane at the end of 2020.
Daniher played a combined 15 games over his final three years at Essendon but has showcased his durability since arriving in Springfield, not playing fewer than 19 games in a season since 2021.
The long-kicking left-footer’s best season came in 2017 with the Dons when he kicked 65 goals over 23 games. He has booted 56 with the Lions this year.
