Brisbane Lions coach Chris Fagan has poured cold water on speculation that Joe Daniher could be lured out of retirement, firmly stating he’d be “very, very surprised” if the 2024 premiership-winning forward ever played AFL again.
Daniher, who retired at the end of last season after helping the Lions to the flag, has recently been linked to a potential comeback, with reports suggesting Sydney had shown interest. But Fagan insists there’s no truth to the whispers.
“I’m pretty sure that that will never happen,” Fagan said this week. “I’m nearly 100 per cent sure, 99.99 per cent sure.”
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‘I don’t think he’d be in great nick right now’
The Lions coach revealed he’s remained in touch with Daniher, exchanging messages while the former key forward has been travelling through Europe.
“I think Joe is enjoying life at the moment, and the other thing I’d be confident with is if he did, he would play with us,” Fagan said.
“I don’t think he’d be in great nick right now. I’d be very, very surprised if Joey ever plays footy again.”
Daniher, a six-time club leading goalkicker and 2017 All-Australian, retired with 213 goals from 147 games across stints with Essendon and Brisbane. The Lions, meanwhile, face Port Adelaide on Saturday night as they chase a top-four finish.