Daniher focusing on footy, not new deal

Jun 5, 2017 - 3:03 AM Essendon star Joe Daniher is remaining tight-lipped over what coach John Worsfold insists is the most pressing issue facing the AFL club - getting the key forward to sign a new contract.

Daniher, 23, is enjoying a career-best season in 2017, having slotted 30 goals in 11 matches.

He comes out of contract at the end of the year and would likely attract offers in excess of $1 million per year were he to test his value on the open market.

The son of former Sydney and Essendon star Anthony Daniher is expected to eventually sign a lucrative new three-year deal to remain at the Bombers, but he's happy to leave all discussions to his manager Nigel Carmody.

"That's the critical thing for me, just let them do their job, let them work with the club and I can concentrate on trying to do the right thing by the football club and playing my best football," Daniher said on Monday.

"It's a process that has gone on for a long period of time.

"I've been here since I was a 15-year-old kid so ... I'll let them do their job and I'll concentrate on playing football."

The Bombers have been linked to an audacious, huge-money bid for Richmond superstar Dustin Martin, who becomes eligible for free agency at the end of the season.

But Worsfold said last month that getting Daniher to sign on the dotted line was the club's "No.1 priority".

"I'm not too interested in worrying about anyone else until we get Joey locked away," Worsfold said.

On behalf of the Essendon players, Joe Daniher presented his uncle Neale - a former Essendon captain and Melbourne coach - with a $5000 cheque for the Big Freeze at the G campaign which raises money to fight motor neurone disease.

Neale Daniher was diagnosed with MND in 2013.

Source: AAP