James Hird: ‘That’s the first call I’d make’ – Urges Swans to offer $1.5 million to entice retired premiership star

James Hird has called on the Sydney Swans to reach out to Joe Daniher regarding a potential return to AFL in 2026.

The Essendon legend, who was Daniher’s inaugural coach in the AFL, feels he would be an outstanding addition to their line-up, particularly given the Swans’ struggles on the scoreboard and the absence of a reliable key forward this season.

With Logan McDonald and Joel Amartey sidelined for large parts of the season, Sydney has turned to defenders Tom McCartin and Joel Hamling as tall options in the forward line, though this strategy has yielded limited success.

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Daniher announced his retirement from AFL at the conclusion of the 2024 season, leaving the game as a revered premiership player for Brisbane.

This decision caught many by surprise, especially as the 31-year-old appeared to be in the form of his life when he stepped away.

It’s also worth noting that Sydney was Daniher’s preferred destination when he sought a trade from Essendon in 2019, aiming to leave both the Bombers and Victoria.

However, Essendon ultimately opted against trading Daniher to the Swans, choosing to retain him and rejecting what turned out to be two top-10 draft picks.

As a free agent, the highly regarded forward would join Brisbane a year later.

Hird, who was Daniher’s first coach at Essendon, believes it’s definitely worth Sydney’s while to reach out and gauge Daniher’s current status.

“Dean Cox faces significant challenges, but for me, the pressing concern is how they secure a key forward,” Hird remarked on Nine’s Footy Classified.

“If there isn’t one on their roster, they need to explore trading for one. They’ve been relying on small forwards for too long; it’s essential to have someone to deliver the ball to when going down the line.”

“If I were them, I would try something a little different and reach out to Joe Daniher to see if he’s tired of a life of leisure…” Hird suggested.

“His dad played for the Swans, and his family has ties to New South Wales—give Joey a call.”

Hird clarified that this view is merely his own and doesn’t come from any inside knowledge regarding Daniher’s present circumstances.

“I’m not privy to any inside information, but I drafted him,” he mentioned.

“I was Joe’s first coach, and he is a tremendous individual with a strong work ethic; he was exceptional last year.”

“I wonder, perhaps $1.5 million? Would that entice him to play for another two or three seasons?”

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In the trade period, Sydney may have the chance to attract a younger key forward, with Nine’s leading AFL reporter Tom Morris indicating that Jamarra Ugle-Hagan is considering a move away from the Melbourne environment.

“My sources suggest that Jamarra has expressed to those close to him that he would prefer to play for the Sydney Swans next season if the circumstances align,” Morris stated.

“Whether that comes to fruition, and whether the Swans are interested, remains to be seen. The Bulldogs would have to agree to a trade as he is still under contract.”

Ugle-Hagan has not made an appearance for the Western Bulldogs in 2025 as he has been on extended leave since April to address mental health and behavioural concerns.

However, Hird mentioned that, if given the option, he would rather see the Swans pursue Daniher over Ugle-Hagan.

“Daniher was at the peak of his performance when he left the game. If he has taken the time to refresh himself, he should be the first call they make,” Hird concluded.