EMERGING Essendon forward Joe Daniher says he learned a valuable lesson when he returned from injury before he was ready to play against Richmond in round 20.
His effort that night was below par and he earned a rebuke from coach Mark Thompson after the game.
Thompson said at the time that Daniher had put himself before the team when indicating he was OK to play and the forward was lucky to keep his spot the following week.
"He's sorry and he knew he didn't play well," Thompson said in August.
Match preview: North Melbourne v Essendon
Daniher has been a good target up forward since, kicking five goals in three games and playing with confidence.
On the eve of his first finals series, the son of former Essendon full-back Anthony Daniher, said the experience taught him how unforgiving the game was if you weren't prepared.
"I felt like I was ready and I felt really confident in my body," Daniher said on Wednesday.
"I probably just hadn't had the training and I haven't had an experience like that, so it was another opportunity for me to learn. I learned the hard way."
Daniher was nominated for the NAB Rising Star after his round 12 effort against Greater Western Sydney.
However he carries a huge responsibility against North Melbourne leading the Bombers' forward line with fellow tall Jake Carlisle out injured.
Daniher has kicked 24 goals in 20 games in 2014 but is yet to kick more than three in a game.
He said he was more excited than unnerved at the prospect of being the key target.
"I feel like our forward line has been different throughout the year. We've had a lot of midfielders come down, we've had different guys go through those roles. We're feeling really comfortable at the moment," Daniher said.
Whatever the result of the final against North, he is sure to make the most of the experience.
"[It's been a] massive learning year for myself, and it's been a funny one. I'm 20 years old and I've really enjoyed the ups and downs of football and really enjoyed improving and learning under a great coach and at a really good football club alongside great leaders," Daniher said.
