Essendon will try to re-open negotiations with Joe Daniher about extending his AFL contract, pledging they will fight like hell to keep him.

Daniher’s future was the No.1 story of the trade period and as the clock ticked down to the 7.30pm deadline on Wednesday, it became clear there would be no deal with Sydney.

After the 2017 All-Australian key forward requested a trade to the Swans, Essendon were adamant about the terms of any deal.

It never looked like the two clubs would reach agreement.

Now the Bombers must try to convince one of their most important players to stay beyond the end of next season, when he qualifies for free agency.

“We were in discussions throughout the course of the year … that did stall,” said Bombers list boss Adrian Dodoro.

“We’d love to do that.

“When the dust settles, we’ll talk to his management team.

“Joey is a free agent next year and we’re going to fight like hell to retain him.”

Dodoro said he spoke to Daniher in the last hour of the trade period to confirm that there would be no deal.

“Obviously he’s a little bit disappointed, but as you know with Joey he’s a resilient young man,” Dodoro said.

“Actually through this whole process, we’ve grown to respect him a helluva lot more for the person he is.

“Knowing him and his character, he’ll come out of this a better, stronger person.

“We absolutely love him and we think he’ll have a great year next year.”

Daniher is recovering from groin surgery after only managing 11 games over the last two seasons.

“Our medical team is really optimistic, he’s up running at the moment,” Dodoro said.

“His operation was successful and everyone is really optimistic he’s turned the corner and he’s going to have a full pre-season.”