BomberBlitz.com Exclusive Interview - Terry Daniher

By Koala with help from Kezren
BomberBlitz: So let’s get it out there early…. how awesome is it to be a Daniher? Seriously?!
Terry Daniher: (grins), well, 11 kids… we had a good upbringing, and are a pretty close family. Even though we’re kind of spread around the place now – there are four of us here in Melbourne, Neale is in Perth, 2 in Wagga, 2 in Temora, another couple up at home… we still keep in touch a lot, hear what’s happening ! speak to any one of the girls, they have the news!
BB: so it is…
TD: …pretty awesome!
BB: and you were the eldest of the 11 kids! How much age gap is there between you and the youngest?
TD: Let’s see… Fiona would be in her mid thirties, and I’m 52, so… 20 odd years!

BB: What was Edna’s cooking like and of her offerings, what was your favourite meal?
TD: She was a good cook! Particularly her desserts… I mean she did the usual roasts – Lamb, chicken, Pork etc, stews…. desserts were great. Apple crumble, Jam tarts, custard & fresh Cream… we had our own fruit trees eg: Apple, Apricots, Nectarines, Plums , Peaches etc, stewed fruit… one of my favourites was “Daniher’s Delight”! which was cornflakes, apricots, and cream or icecream! Yes, there was never any shortage of tucker!

BB: What’s the best piece of advice Edna gave to you?
TD: Probably…. Be honest, and work hard… treat other people the way you’d want to be treated… and be yourself.

BB: Obviously we know a bit about three of your brothers! How did the rest of the family go, sports wise?
TD: Yeah, they all were into some sort of sport. Living in a small rural town, it was part of our upbringing… netball, tennis… even now, my brothers and sisters are often taking their kids to Sydney, Wollongong for swimming, athletics, Netball, Footy Carnivals- that sort of thing. A lot of travel!

BB: The family must be very proud of Darcy! Are there any more Daniher boys who show a bit?
TD: There are a few… Neale’s got two boys, Ants has two other sons, Chris has a couple of boys running around in the juniors for Ungarie and I have two as well. All of them enjoy their footy…Tennis, Water skiing etc..

BB: 1990 saw the four Daniher brothers play together twice; the State of Origin game, where you played for NSW (and beat Victoria!) and the game at Moorabbin. What are your main memories from those games?
TD: It was more the fact that after the games were over… could sit back and take it all in. Was particularly pleased that Chris was gaining more consistency, Tony had solid form, and that Neale had overcome lots of obstacles to get back into the seniors with knee problems.

BB: In 1979 you were leading the goal kicking table and marking everything in site. You then had your jaw broken. Do you think you could have cracked the tonne that year and possibly played as a permanent full forward through the ‘Sheedy Years’?
TD: I didn’t particularly like full forward, because you could be out of the action for lengthy periods. Preferred playing up the ground. But you know, if there’s no one else to play that position, the coach moves players to fill the void. Would I have got the tonne? Umm… I don’t know… how many did I kick that year?
BB: Ahhh 57 I think? You were leading goal kicker for Essendon.
TD: You never know, maybe I could have reached 80 or 90.

BB: Moorabbin, 1987. Halfway through the 3rd quarter; you’ve kicked 6 on Joffa Cunningham and are BOG. What did you think – and say – when the runner told you that Sheedy wanted you at FB on Plugger?
TD: (grins) Joffa Cunningham! Was I playing on him? well, that was just part of the way Sheeds coached, you just accepted it, do what you’re told. If someone was in a bit of trouble, losing their position, you got moved around. Some coaches had their teams fairly settled – others like to throw the players around a little, put the challenge on them. Sheeds didn’t hesitate – if there was a weak link, he’d swing players around. He was always thinking of the whole team aspect.

BB: What are some of the things you loved about Sheeds?
TD: The main thing was his competitive spirit. He had such a passion for footy. But he also had a bit of humour, could see the lighter side. He hardened us up, taught us about work ethic, and directed us with his knowledge/past experiences to become a good team … he was very much about the team. Sheeds never seemed to lose his passion.

BB: Have you squared up with Tim Watson for that handpass?
TD: (laughs) ahhh well, he probably owed me that one, for the tackle I did on him against Carlton!

BB: Twelve weeks for that love tap on Gavin Brown – a bit excessive? Or pretty spot on?!
TD: A little bit excessive, but you’ve just got to get on with it, cop it on the chin.

BB: Who would you consider to be the toughest/most difficult opponent you faced?
TD: Probably yourself a lot of the time. I thought Chris Mew was very underrated… we matched up well, in terms of height and pace. There were some great players around… Glendinning, Lockett, Ablett, Dunstall, Brereton, Lyon, Roos… they were all good challenges.

BB: 1990 or 1983 – which was the most disappointing?
TD: Both were pretty disappointing. Probably 1990 was the worst. In 83, we’d won through from 5th spot, but in 90 we’d finished minor premiers, so to finish on top then to fail on the big day was pretty demoralizing, especially to a side like Collingwood!

BB: You’ve had so many great moments during your career – finals, captaincy, leading goalkicker, B&F, State and All Australian representation, Champion of Essendon… what was your proudest moment?
TD: I think I just enjoyed game day the most… Backing up each week, not missing too many games. To see what Neale went through with his knee, and what a long term injury meant… I hated sitting on the sidelines. And just the mere fact that each game day presented different circumstances. In the 80’s we were still playing at Windy Hill, Victoria Park, Princess Park, Moorabbin etc, and there were some heavy grounds which you had to adapt to, face the elements. Waverley would be wet and windy… at the MCG it was always muddy in the centre. At St Kilda they’d water their cricket pitch area, get the home ground advantage. Also the build up to the games… Essendon has such a big following, and you’d have 24,000 at Windy Hill… the atmosphere was great against rival teams like the Blues, Magpies….

BB: How did the lrish PM’s wife react when you thanked him and ‘ the missus’ for the reception during the test series?
TD: (grins) yeah, they saw the light side of that. 84 it was, the day they caught Trimbole. Australia’s ambassador to Ireland was mixed up in the negotiations, so was tied up for some time! We were looked after by his wife & staff at the time. I’d had a few drinks, got a bit sozzled, and in the end had to present the Ambassador with the team tie and a set of cuff links on behalf of the touring party. Was a great day! E.J. Whitton and the boys had a good chuckle on the bus trip back to the hotel!!
BB: How do you reckon the 84/85 team would have gone against the 2000 side?
TD: Well, it’s hard to compare eras, but I reckon we would have adapted pretty well. The 84/85 team was a very good side… we went back to back, had a pretty good run with injuries. We were a very flexible side, had some great competitors, had that inner belief in each other to get the job done!
BB: If you could change one rule in the modern game what would it be?
TD: If there’s a backwards kick on any part of the ground, and a player marks the ball – umpire is to call play on. So to keep the game going not hold it up – makes it a poor spectacle. The more contests, the better – this kicking backwards /holding the game up is not good for the game.
BB: Tell us a bit about Daniher Property Services! It was originally set up by yourself, Anthony and Chris?
TD: Yep, we got into it through Ron Kirwan – he’s an Essendonian. He introduced us into the window cleaning side of his business. The contractors that he had –moved on! So created an opportunity for Anthony, Chris & myself to take over the run. We also used a few of our teammates as well when we got busy. It suited Anthony, he was working as a wool classer, which meant long hours standing on cement floors. And it developed from there – now we basically do everything in property services… have contracts with schools, commercial properties etc. It has developed into a good business- something to fall back onto!

BB: Couldn’t help but notice that your company logo reminds me of another certain logo… was that part of requirements or just a nice coincidence?! (points to an Essendon logo)
TD: (grins) actually I didn’t have much to do with that!

BB: When are you going to strap the boots on for another 6 games? (and the Blitzer that asked this question will give you a slab of VB if it tips the decision!)
TD: (grins) nah, the Ted Whitten games, they’re fun, but getting to be an effort! Although I did tell Chris if he is short of players at Ungarie, give me a call I might pull the boots on, sit in a forward pocket!

BB: Seriously though, any aspirations to go back to the Bombers in any form? Maybe as a board member?
TD: Possibly in the future… if I can help. It’s nice to step away in the interim though, have my weekends to myself. Played 17 seasons of football, then had another 6yrs playing coach for the Wagga Tigers than another 9 yrs as an assistant coach. Missed seeing a lot of my boys playing as they grew up. Actually one of my sons plays for Balwyn F.C, and I was sitting there the other week watching him, alongside Rocket Eade, Dipper and Fish, whose boys all play for the club as well! I’m still involved with footy as a VCFL Country Ambassador – involves a few trips to country Victoria and southern NSW during the year. Have also been helping organise the 84/85 Celebration Dinner, which is coming up on the 4th of July… getting in touch with a few of the fellas, should be a great night!

BB: Yep, we’ve got a couple of tables organised, really looking forward to it! Did you or any of those guys involved in the 84 & 85 flags chat to the team in the lead up to the win over the Hawks last week?
TD: Both Simon & myself were invited by Matt & the boys to one of their training sessions in the lead up to the game! It was a good effort! Was a guest at the game, Inner Sanctum as a panelist with a few others – Craig Willis was the host. Sat with John Kennedy during the game – although he left at ¾ time – “beat the traffic” (grins).
BB: How often do you head along to the footy?
TD: As often as I can, usually to a Friday night. Always enjoy watching the Bombers! Also like St Kilda, and the Cats – they play a good attacking brand of footy. That Cyril Rioli can play!!

BB: What’s the best piece of advice you could offer to aspiring footballers?
TD: Well, you’d hope they wouldn’t be playing if they didn’t enjoy it. Work hard, back your ability, and stand up for your self. You need to be able to work through the highs and lows and still be a good contributor, earn the respect of your team mates.
BB: Are you proud that the term “red hot go” is now part of football’s vocabulary?
TD: (grins) well, it is something a coach looks out for – a lack of effort on match day. Sometimes it’s hard to control certain things when you’re sitting 80 metres from the action in a coaches box, but you can adjust the team if the effort is not there.
BB: Can you go beer for beer with Vander?
TD: Yeah…I’ve had enough practice!
BB: Did you know you are the best boomerang thrower from the EFC of the past couple decades? And that Che Cockatoo-Collins was the worst? (says Bruce Carter, Australian National Boomerang Coach)
TD: (laughs) really? I doubt it! Just trying to remember that day… he turned up with all these different types of boomerangs. Interesting fellow!

BB: And you actually got the boomerang to come back?!
TD: well, it landed somewhere near me!

BB: If yourself, Neale, Anthony and Chris were in a beauty pageant, who would win and why?
TD: Oh, I’d win hands down – I’m a handsome bloke! (grins)

BB: Is Ungarie a real place, or just a made up fantasy land like “Collingwood” that sensible people know doesn’t really exist?
TD: (laughs) oh, it exists alright! Population of about 300… two pubs, Butcher, cafe, Catholic Church school, wheat silo’s, not much more!

BB: Moral dilemma: If you could guarantee an Essendon premiership, but in exchange you had to shoot an endangered panda, where would you shoot the panda?
TD: Shoot it? I wouldn’t want to shoot it! Do I have to shoot it? (reads the question again) to guarantee a premiership… well, I’d shoot it somewhere that wouldn’t kill it… maybe, its paw!

BB: Are you a cinnamon, iced or jam centered type donut man?
TD: Jam

BB: If you could hold a Guinness World Record, what would it be for?
TD: Ohhh… I’m not too worried about setting records! Ummm…
BB: shall we come back to this?
TD: good idea!

BB: What was the last book you read? Do you usually have a book on the go?
TD: Not a big reader… don’t really have the patience! I like to read the newspaper… but it would be a long time since I read a book all the way through. Maybe later when I’ve slowed down a bit!

BB: What music do you listen to?
TD: Most types… don’t mind pop, Country… likes of Billy Joel, Neal Diamond, John Fogarty, the Beatles… have seen most of the ones I like in concert. Am pretty flexible… although I don’t really like some of the music kids listen to… that’s it, doof doof!

BB: Do you think porcupines are underrated as a species?
TD: (grins) the old porcupine! Well, they probably are underrated… keep the ants under control!

BB: If someone made a film of your life, who would you like to play the lead role?
TD: Kevin Walsh!

BB: Three words to describe yourself?
TD: easy going…. Ummm…
BB: shall we come back to this one?
TD: (grins) ok!

BB: What is your favourite colour M&M?
TD: Don’t really eat them… but probably red.

BB: Do you think milk should be added to instant coffee prior to boiling water or after?
TD: Prior… put the milk and the coffee in the cup first, mix them up, add the water.

BB: Shorts or pants man?
TD: Shorts

BB: Shoes or thongs?
TD: depends!

Word associations:
BB: Number 5
TD: number!

BB: Ungarie
TD: Hometown

BB: Hawthorn:
TD: Opposition

BB: Paul van der Haar
TD: Legend!

BB: Dick Reynolds
TD: fabulous guy

BB: Dermott Brereton
TD: competitor

BB: The Phantom
TD: (chuckles) ummm… tremendous character!

BB: State of Origin
TD: Challenging

BB: Kevin Sheedy
TD: Good coach

BB: and just coming back to… the Guinness Book of Records question!
TD: Ahh… maybe I could beat Michael Tuck’s record, be the man who has played the most number of AFL games!

BB: and another couple of words to describe yourself? We’ve got easy going…
TD: Easy going… Worker… positive!

BB: Excellent! Thanks Terry!
TD: no worries!

Posted 27 May 09 in Interviews