Former Essendon star Tim Watson has implored Bombers forward Joe Daniher to watch tape of the AFL's best current day forwards in a bid to help him overturn his form slump.
Daniher didn't pose a threat during Essendon's 36-point loss to the Demons on Sunday, collecting 11 disposals, taking five marks and kicking just 0.3.
The 2017 All-Australian forward has booted just seven goals from six games to start the season, and is struggling to impose himself on the contest.
โThis is what I would do if I was at Essendon this morning. Iโd get hold of Jack Riewoldtโs tape,โ Watson told SEN Breakfast.
โIโd sit Joe down and Iโd say Jack Riewoldt wasnโt this player three years ago. This is what he has become though as a key forward in the game.
โWatch his work rate, watch his ability to selflessly lead sometimes with no intention of getting the ball, but because he creates a vacuum of space behind him.
โI think that Joe is caught in a bubble of his own performance and how he plays and that happens to all of us.
โThis is how I can fit into our forward line and this is how I best serve my teamโs performance and Iโm not going to get the ball every time, but thereโs so much I can do as a forward even when I donโt have the ball.
โBy watching someone else you can sometimes pick those things up.โ
Melbourne legend Garry Lyon believes Essendon's midfielders are actually choosing not to kick the ball in Daniher's direction.
โI firmly believe this, I believe theyโre taking the option not to kick to him,โ Lyon told SEN Breakfast.
โHe just didnโt put himself in a position where heโs going to be a target, heโs playing on Oscar McDonald, whoโs had a really good year, but he can struggle with big forwards because heโs undersized.
โI donโt reckon Oscar had too many nervous moments with Joe yesterday because Joe didnโt get to the dangerous positions.
โSo itโs work rate, intent, itโs game knowledge.โ
With the Bombers at 2-4 and in 14th position, Essendon's clash with Hawthorn on Saturday looms as a huge test for John Worsfold's side.
