I come from a farming background and grew up near a small community called Ungarie, pop 300, North Riverina, New South Wales. Our farm was situated 10 miles out of town.

I’m the eldest of 11 children, and from an early age was always on the move – sometimes climbing over old machinery and up trees getting me into strife! As a young fella I was always down in the old machinery area pretending to work the machinery.

There was always a lot to do on the farm and we had a rotation roster for farm and house chores from pretty early on.

I wasn’t a big fan of study… but I like the mate-ship and outdoor activities of school. I’d try to avoid sitting down of an evening to do my homework under Mum’s watchful eye, and would usually get it done on the bus in the morning…

Setting my own agenda and not doing as I was told got me into a bit of trouble!

I grew up involved in all sports, but footy, rugby and cricket were my main interests. Scouts from South Melbourne invited me down for trials in 1975, and I played for them for 2 years, then I was invited to Essendon FC in ’78 and played the next 15 years there.

The first challenge there was to be accepted by my team mates into the club, and then adapting to the city life style. There was a weekly challenge of performing to my best and playing team footy.

One of the highlights of my career has been playing the 1990 State of Origin between NSW and Victoria at the SCG. Beating the Vics was a grand moment! All my brothers played with me in that game. We also all played together that year in the St Kilda V Essendon match at Moorabbin. Very good memories…

To support myself here in Melbourne I started working as a sub-contractor for a window cleaning company. Later on all the boys came on board! Eventually we picked up enough work of our own and started up Danihers Cleaning Services and it evolved from there. Those were busy times, combining footy and business!

How has playing professional footy helped me in business? I learned the value of honesty, integrity, hard work and perseverance. If all else fails, stick to the basics – and enjoy the ride!