SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - SEPTEMBER 09: Joe Daniher of the Bombers celebrates after kicking a goal during the AFL Second Elimination Final match between the Sydney Swans and the Essendon Bombers at Sydney Cricket Ground on September 9, 2017 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Mark Metcalfe/AFL Media/Getty Images)
Essendon star Joe Daniher is set to line up in Essendon's first JLT Community Series game against Carlton on Thursday night.
After enjoying a breakout season in 2017 in which he kicked 65 goals and averaged over 15 disposals per game, the 24-year-old was limited to only seven games and eight goals last year as he battled osteitis pubis.
Although he hasn't yet been fully cleared to take part in the contest, the 100-game forward appears likely to make his return to competitive action in the pre-season opener barring a setback during training this week.
The Bombers face the Blues and Cats in their two preseason games, before opening the home-and-away season against GWS in Sydney on March 24.