HE came to the Albury Sportsground as Daniel Maher’s younger brother, with a reputation as a skilful and tough player but one who enjoyed a beer just as much as kicking a goal.
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Fast forward three years and while nothing has changed on the family front, Josh Maher has not only played in two Ovens and Murray premierships with the Tigers, he is also a state representative and now All-Australian.
The transformation from bad boy to local hero was complete at the weekend as Benalla-raised Maher was selected alongside fellow O and M stars Joel Mackie, Dan Leslie and Tyson Hartwig in the All-Australian team after starring at the national carnival for NSW-ACT.
The 26-year-old, who has just bought a house in Albury, is still pinching himself at his meteoric rise to fame.
“I’d take that any day of the week,” Maher said.
“I was definitely surprised to get the name called out.
“I think I’m one up on the brother.
“It doesn’t get up near the flags but it’s a fair old feather in the cap for me.”
After earning his first state jumper — he was once picked to play for Vic Country against the Amateurs but was unavailable — Maher had modest goals heading into the nationals at Wagga.
But he exceeded all expectations, booting 13.4 to finish just behind Victorian star Grant Weeks in the goalkicking.
Maher led the goals tally on day one after booting an accurate 11.1 and while he was later held goalless against Victoria 1 and Western Australia, he responded with two majors in the win against South Australia on Sunday in the playoff for third.
While he would have loved to pull on the famous Big V, nuggety forward Maher was just as excited, and shocked, to wear a lighter shade of blue.
“I was a bit dumfounded to even get picked in the NSW side,” he said.
“I just wanted to do my best.
“It would be nice to get a Victorian jumper but I think that’s a bit out of my league.”
Maher, who has also had stints at Benalla, Tungamah, Mulwala and Centrals Trinity Beach, and played in a flag with O and M Hall of Famer John Brunner at Devenish, has 26 goals for the Tigers after booting 52 last season.
His older brother, now co-coach at Albury with Danny Stevens, will be hoping Josh can put on a show in the finals as the Tigers aim for a fourth straight flag.
“Last year I probably had my best season,” he said.
“I started off this year slow.
“It’s really a good culture at Albury.
“We’ve definitely got the side to do it.
“Hopefully we can beat those Yarra boys again.
“It would be nice to get another medal this year.”
