Darcy, the son of former Bomber Anthony Daniher who played 118 games for the Dons, was drafted last year under the father-son rule. The Sydney Swans also showed interest in the 18-year-old, and he would have also qualified to join them as Anthony played 115 games with the Harbour City club before moving to Melbourne.
The Dons will have two debutants running out at the Telstra Dome on Sunday. West Australian David Myers will also play his first senior game.
As for Darcy, he’ll be hoping to add to the family’s game tally during his time with the club. Neale, Terry, Anthony and Chris Daniher together played 618 games for the team from Windy Hill. Speaking to the Herald Sun, the 18-year-old admitted he is aware of the expectation that his family name carries.
“I get that mentioned to me a fair bit,” Daniher said.
“There is a proud tradition at Essendon. I am very proud to be running out with the team.”
His season looked in jeopardy after a pre-season mishap at training saw him undergo a partial shoulder reconstruction, but the teenager missed only one VFL match. His good form for the Bendigo Bombers which saw him collect 18 touches and four goals last weekend has earned him a spot in the starting line up.
“He has worked hard,” Anthony Daniher said.
“That it has come this early in his career, it’s come, so you deal with it. We are thrilled for him. We are very proud of him.”
