Joe Daniher will have two wonky front teeth until he retires from the AFL but he holds no grudge against the man responsible now that they’re Brisbane teammates.

Lions defender Harris Andrews is even bold enough to stir the key recruit about the stray elbow that disturbed Daniher’s pearly whites when he was starring for Essendon in 2016.

But the key forward says the battles with Andrews at training so far this year have been crucial in fast-tracking his progress, after the All-Australian was restricted to just 15 games in the past three seasons at the Bombers because of a nagging groin issue.

“He does remind me every now and then, the chief,” Daniher said with a wry smile.

“They’re still a little bit crooked, I’ve some work to do but I might wait until the footy career’s over before get them all cleaned up.

“There’s a little bit of coverage (with the moustache), how’s it working do you think?“

The 26-year-old has been described by coach Chris Fagan as the “big dog” they needed in a forward line to complement Eric Hipwood and Daniel McStay, as well as small forward Charlie Cameron.

Daniher will also spend time in the ruck to assist new No.1 Oscar McInerney and said Andrews’ influence in their daily battles had him well-drilled as they prepared for Saturday’s pre-season hit-out against Gold Coast at Metricon Stadium.

“He’s an incredible person; the Lions are lucky to have a player come through the system like that, a home grown talent having a very big impact on the club,“ Daniher said of vice-captain Andrews.

“It’s important to match up against the elite players and I’ve done it against Michael Hurley, Cale Hooker and Dustin Fletcher at training (with Essendon).

“I’ve got a clear plan on what I can bring to a team and I’ll focus on that (rather than any hype around a Brisbane premiership).

“I’m looking forward hopefully to being part of something special; the club’s in a terrific position but anything you’e done in the last few years doesn’t guarantee what’s coming in the future.”