THE ANKLE injury to ruckman Tom Bellchambers has created a gaping hole in Essendon's big man stocks, but it may have found a solution in young forward Joe Daniher.
Bellchambers was seen in a moonboot at Essendon's training facility at Tullamarine on Friday afternoon and is still at least three months from making his return.
With Bellchambers sidelined, the Bombers may turn to Daniher to provide support for the club's only other recognised ruckman – Patrick Ryder.
"For me, it will probably mean I get a chance to have a little more ruck time and give Paddy (Ryder) a hand in there," Daniher said on Friday afternoon.
"I'm looking forward to the challenge of working with Paddy and hopefully I can get the chance."
Bellchambers' absence will also be felt closer to goal, with the Bombers penciling him in to spend more time up forward after the off-season departures of Stewart Crameri and Scott Gumbleton.
That will mean Daniher has the added responsibility of also leading Essendon in attack, as well.
"There are a few more vacancies in the forward line, but for me it's just about continual development," Daniher said on Friday.
"I'm looking forward to hopefully getting an opportunity early in the season and the ball's in my court to hold down a spot and it's something I'm working towards."
Much hype surrounded Daniher leading into his debut season in 2013 and he displayed some strong signs in the VFL and his five senior games last year.
The 19-year-old is certainly on the rise and on Friday he had the opportunity to meet another young star creating plenty of waves in the United States.
Australian basketball sensation Dante Exum, 18 – tipped to be picked in the top 10 of the NBA Draft in June – was on hand to compare notes with the emerging Bomber and accept a personalised guernsey.
Daniher said his focus was on continuing to add different elements to his game.
"For me it's just about getting stronger. It's about learning my body and working with my body and getting an aerobic base where I can compete at AFL level," he said.
"It's just about me working on my game and hopefully becoming the player that I want to really become and that is a player that cements his spot in the side and help the Essendon footy club get to the place where it wants to be."
