Have some fun, look around, enjoy it. You’re allowed to smile.
That was retiring captain Bob Murphy’s advice to a wide-eyed Caleb Daniel when he debuted against Carlton in Round 14, 2015.
And as Daniel would learn the longer he played alongside Murphy, it was never just about football, he told SEN on Wednesday morning.
“He’s a really great guy, it’s not just about football with Bob, it’s about life lessons, Daniel said.
“He’s obviously taught me a few. He’s pretty much just taught me to just take it all in and enjoy the moment for what it is.”
It might seem like a lifetime ago now but Daniel was electric on debut.
Shedding the substitute vest at half time with the Dogs trailing by three points to the Blues, the then 18-year-old picked up 14 disposals, took five marks and kicked a goal.
Just what impact Murphy’s words to the young South Australian had we’ll never know, but Daniel said it’s something he’s tried to carry with him throughout his still young AFL career.
“In my first game he said, ‘have some fun, look around, enjoy it. You’re allowed to smile, you’re an 18-year-old kid going out there and living your dream.
“So, I’ve kept that mentality throughout my career so far and it’s been really good to see him play some really good footy this year as well.”
Daniel was one of four Bulldogs named in the AFLPA’s 22under22 squad.
