Brisbane Lions forward Joe Daniher has retired from AFL football, just days after winning a premiership. Daniher, who was contracted for 2025, informed the club on Thursday that he would call time on his career after 204 games and 395 goals across 12 seasons.

Joe Daniher is hanging up the boots.Credit: AFL Photos

The 30-year-old started his career with Essendon, where his family has a storied history, as a father-son selection in the 2012 national draft before arriving at Brisbane for the 2021 season.

Though his father, Anthony, played 115 games for the Swans, he also played 118 for the Bombers and Joe’s uncles Neale, Terry and Chris also played for Essendon. The four senior Danihers famously played a game together for the club in 1990.

His move to Brisbane, where he played for four seasons, was based in part on an attempt to reduce the scrutiny from being a high-profile AFL player in Melbourne.

Daniher's Retirement Decision

Daniher’s retirement came as a surprise to many, with the forward seemingly at the peak of his powers. He had just finished a stellar season, kicking eight goals across four cut-throat finals and stepping up in the ruck after Oscar McInerney was injured in the preliminary final.

He leaves the AFL as a premiership player, All-Australian, Essendon’s best-and-fairest winner and an Anzac medallist. He was also a four-time leading goalkicker with Essendon and two-time Brisbane leading goalkicker.

Daniher has been a super-consistent player at Brisbane, playing virtually every match for the Lions after his final seasons at Essendon were marred by injury.

Carlton’s Charlie Curnow has won two of the past three Coleman Medals (2022 and 2023) and Jesse Hogan was this year’s leading goal-kicker with 69 goals. But Daniher has booted 46, 39, 61 and 58 goals respectively since his move to the sunshine state.

A Farewell From the Brisbane Lions

Brisbane football manager Danny Daly said the club farewelled Daniher with mixed emotions.

“Joe is a generational type of player that will go down as one of the best forwards to have played AFL,” Daly said.

“We are extremely privileged that he played for the Brisbane Lions because he was a huge key to us experiencing the success we have and winning the premiership.

“What I love about Joey is that he has done it his way his whole career and in doing so has become a much-loved cult figure of our club and the AFL.

“We are sad to see him hang up the boots and call time on his career, but he does so with the full blessing of everyone at the Brisbane Lions.

“On behalf of the club I would like to thank Joe, his wonderful wife Adelle and their families for all they have given to the Brisbane Lions and wish them all the best.”

A Legacy of Success

Daniher leaves a legacy of success and a passionate fan base, not just in Brisbane, but across the AFL. He was a key player in the Lions' resurgence, helping to elevate them to the top of the ladder and ultimately to a premiership victory. His strong performances in the finals series, including his final goal in the grand final, will be remembered by fans for years to come.

While Daniher's retirement is a loss for the AFL, it is a testament to a career well-lived and a legacy of dedication to the sport. His influence on the Brisbane Lions and the AFL as a whole will be felt for years to come.

Farewell, Joey

Joe Daniher, a name synonymous with skill, passion, and dedication, has etched his name into the history of the AFL. His retirement marks the end of an era, but the legacy of his impact on the game will continue to inspire players and fans alike.

As he departs the field, we bid farewell to a true champion, a passionate competitor, and a role model for young athletes everywhere. Thank you, Joey, for the memories.