AFL investigating Daniher deal with clubs sceptical of Lions’ extensionDavid Zita
Fox Sports
March 21st, 2022 11:08 amThe AFL is reportedly yet to clear Brisbane Lions star Joe Daniher’s recent contract extension, with some clubs sceptical of the initial three-year deal that saw the key forward leave Essendon.
Daniher signed a three-year contract to join the Lions during the 2020 trade period as a free agent, with the compensation formula netting Essendon pick No.7 as a result, which ultimately slid to pick No.9 by draft night.
AFL Media reported on Monday the league was seeking “extra information” after the recent two-year extension of the deal announced by the Lions.
Some clubs, the report states, have canvassed the deal was always a five-year deal but was disguised as a three-year contract on potentially around $750,000 per season in order to bolster Essendon’s draft compensation.
Theoretically, clubs believe, had the deal gone through as a five-year one on less than $750,000 a season, the Bombers could well have received a lower pick as a result.
The AFL, the report said, would not be commenting on the situation.
Daniher, 28, was at the centre of the Lions’ come-from-behind win over Port Adelaide at the Gabba in round one, booting four goals.
After several injury-interrupted years at Essendon, the spearhead looked to have renewed confidence in his body in 2021, playing every possible game for the side.
Essendon used its compensation pick for Daniher to select Archie Perkins, who was one of three first-round selections along with Nik Cox (pick No.8 ) and Zach Reid (pick No.10).
Foxfooty.com.au has contacted Daniher’s management for comment.
https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/afl-news-2022-joe-daniher-contract-trade-to-brisbane-lions-essendon-compensation-afl-investigating-deal/news-story/d41d9c22465a370933a9512c2408fd16
