In one of the most impressive debuts of the season, 2014 draftee Caleb Daniel lit up Etihad Stadium in round 14 against Carlton.

Subbed into the game at half time for the injured Jordan Roughead, Daniel had an immediate impact.

He picked up 14 disposals, five marks and one goal – and was ranked the number one player on the ground by Champion Data after half time.

Daniel recorded nine disposals, two goal assists and a goal in the third quarter alone to help the Bulldogs turn a three-point half-time deficit into a 15 point advantage at the final change.

The Bulldogs went on to record a 11-point victory in a low scoring scrap under the roof.

The victory came just days before Daniel's 19th birthday, the debut and four points provided the perfect early gift for the South Australian. 

“I’m pretty happy with this present, I’ll take that along with me,” Daniel told 3AW after the game.

While much had been made in his draft year about the attributes that Daniel doesn’t have as a player, the former Larke Medallist said his focus throughout his football journey had been on utilizing what he does.

“I’ve worked my bum off and tried to achieve [an AFL debut] since I’ve been a youngster, something I’ve dreamt of my whole life, and it has just come to fruition and I’m enjoying every moment of it.”

“Being a short player, you’ve got to be at exceptional at a couple of things. I suppose I just try to use my work ethic and my endurance to burn off my opponent.”