MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - FEBRUARY 28: Joe Daniher of the Bombers reacts after marking the ball in the opening minutes and then kicks a goal during the 2019 JLT Community Series AFL match between the Carlton Blues and the Essendon Bombers at Ikon Park on February 28, 2019 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Scott Barbour/Getty Images)
Essendon have been handed a whopping $20,000 fine for bringing Joe Daniher in for their Good Friday clash with North Melbourne as a late inclusion despite him not being named an emergency.
The 25-year old played his first game since round seven last year after dealing with osteitis pubis and calf issues, replacing Zac Clarke due to a calf bleed.
The AFL announced the fine on Wednesday morning.
"We notified both North Melbourne and the AFL as soon as possible and we thank them for their understanding," Bombers football manager Dan Richardson told AFL Media on Friday.
"It was our intention for Joe to play in the VFL this week.
"With injuries to (Shaun) McKernan and (James) Stewart, structurally for our side today, we had to look at the key forward position so the decision was made.
"While unavoidable, the club accepts the AFL's ruling on this decision and the financial sanction it will impose as a result."