Joe Daniher has given the biggest indication yet that he could stay at Essendon beyond this year.
Daniher, who is out of contract at the end of the 2020 season, marked his return to football with an influential three-goal performance in the Bombers' come-from-behind win over Hawthorn.
The 26-year-old forward is a restricted free agent at season’s end and has once again been linked with a move away from Essendon following an unsuccessfully trade request to Sydney last year.
Speaking to Fox Footy post-game, fit-again Daniher said: “I feel really good and I got the training in, so I’ve been working hard.
“Hopefully I can continue to play out this year and keep moving forward with this footy club.
“It has been frustrating but I just had to stick to the process and make sure that I got the injury right.
“The boys’ support has been fantastic so to come out and help them out tonight … it feels good.”
Thursday night's match was Daniher’s first appearance at AFL level in 467 days.
Essendon overcame a six-goal deficit to win by 16 points and stay in touch with the top eight.