Essendon forward Joe Daniher will return to Bomber headquarters ahead of schedule on Thursday to begin preparations for 2020 after his heavily-publicised bid to be traded to Sydney in October failed.

Essendon's senior players aren't required to return to the club until Monday, but Daniher has decided to settle in early as he looks to get his career back on track following two frustrating, injury-interrupted seasons.

Injury has restricted Joe Daniher to just 11 games in the past two seasons. Credit:Getty Images

The best and fairest winner's initial focus will be rehabilitating from groin surgery, having spent time during the off-season at Dublin's sport surgery clinic in Ireland alongside fellow forward James Stewart to gain some practical tips on how to manage his recovery.

The Bomber forward is expected to work closely with new strength and conditioning coach Sean Murphy, who was recruited from the Hawks for 2020 with David Rundle promoted to become the club's senior physiotherapist. Former Bombers' star Blake Caracella has also joined the club as an assistant coach.