Caleb Daniel had his doubters when he was drafted.
But in the Bulldogs’ eyes, the upside was clear.
Elite kick. Tick. Elite decision-maker. Tick. Elite runner. Tick.
In 2014, Daniel became the shortest player to enter the AFL system since 1990 Brownlow Medallist – and Bulldog great – Tony Liberatore.
Somehow, he slipped to Liberatore’s boys in red, white and blue, as their fifth selection in the draft alongside current teammates Toby McLean, Bailey Dale and Zaine Cordy.
Daniel has repaid the Bulldogs faith time and time again.
This weekend, he will play his 100th AFL game, alongside fellow milestone men Jack Macrae (150th) and Bailey Williams (50th).
“Caleb’s a terrific player, he’s one of those players whose recent form has been outstanding,” Macrae said.
“He’s just such a clever player.
“Whenever he gets the ball, I think everyone’s eyes light up because they know they’re probably going to get a kick to them.
“His skill is outstanding and his courageousness for such a small player is terrific.”
Then list manager Jason McCartney and his team have proven to be right, going by his draft-night comments about the South Australian product.
"Many people have questioned his size but we went back and analysed how he won the football,” he said at the time.
"His kick and decision-making and ball retention are so critical in the game, he was exceptional at that."
Daniel’s debut came mid-way through his first season, 2015, and he got a taste of finals football.
The following year, he became a premiership player.
He’s had a number of roles since then, and has now settled into a quarterback-style role at half back over the past two seasons, alongside fellow playmakers Jason Johannisen and Hayden Crozier.
Regardless of role, he’s been ultra-consistent and a dependable presence – playing 99 of a possible 112 games since debut.
Five of those missed games were last year due to hamstring injuries, when he was perhaps in All Australian contention after notching eight 30-plus disposals games as a defender.
“He’s really built into the role,” Macrae said of Daniel the defender.
“I think now the leadership side of his game’s really coming out and he’s bringing other players along with him, which takes a bit of time.
“He’s one of those players you just look at and know what you’re going to get.
“I think the rest of the competition is starting to take notice of what we’ve known for a few years now.”
