Caleb Daniel

Caleb Daniel (born 7 July 1996) is a professional Australian rules footballer who plays for the Western Bulldogs in the Australian Football League (AFL). When he was recruited in 2014 he was listed as the shortest player (standing at 168 cm) in the AFL,[1] and is one of the few players who regularly wears a protective helmet, having done so since his playing days at junior level.[2]

Caleb Daniel
Daniel in August 2018
Personal information
Full name Caleb Daniel
Nickname(s) CD
Date of birth (1996-07-07) 7 July 1996
Original team(s) South Adelaide
Draft No. 46, 2014 national draft
Height 168 cm (5 ft 6 in)
Weight 71 kg (157 lb)
Position(s) Midfield/Defender
Club information
Current club Western Bulldogs
Number 35
Playing career1
Years Club Games (Goals)
2015– Western Bulldogs 91 (27)
1 Playing statistics correct to the end of 2019.
Career highlights
Sources: AFL Tables, AustralianFootball.com

Early days and career

Daniel was originally from Beaudesert, Queensland before he moved to Adelaide and studied at Aberfoyle Park High School and played eleven senior games for South Adelaide in the SANFL. He credits his coach at South Adelaide, former Fitzroy and St Kilda rover Brad Gotch, for instilling confidence in him at the start of his senior career.[3]

Daniel was selected by the Bulldogs with pick 46 of the 2014 National Draft. While he was overlooked by other clubs due to his short stature, Simon Dalrymple, the Bulldogs' chief recruiter at the time, had been impressed by Daniel, commenting: "His decision-making stood out, his ball-handling... He can keep on running. And he's got fantastic agility, and when you've got that lateral movement it buys you a bit more time."[4] He made his debut in an 11-point win against Carlton as the starting substitute in round 14 of the 2015 season.[5]

2016: A Memorable Season

After the promise shown in his debut season, Daniel took his game to the next level the following season, playing all but two games due to calf injury and playing a key role in the Bulldogs' drought-breaking premiership. In Round 4 2016, he was the round nominee for the 2016 AFL Rising Star after collecting 25 disposals in a 36-point win against Carlton.[6] He would finish runner-up to Sydney's Callum Mills. Daniel was among the Bulldogs' best players in the Elimination Final win over West Coast at Subiaco Oval, amassing a then career-high 33 disposals and kicking a goal.[7][8]

Statistics
Statistics are correct to the end of Round 8, 2019 season[9]
Legend
 G  Goals  B  Behinds  K  Kicks  H  Handballs  D  Disposals  M  Marks  T  Tackles
Season Team No. Games Totals Averages (per game)
G B K H D M T G B K H D M T
2015 Western Bulldogs 351062557613123220.60.25.57.613.12.32.2
2016 Western Bulldogs 352411927923951889790.50.411.611.021.63.73.3
2017 Western Bulldogs 35205521022443459570.250.2510.511.221.72.952.85
2018 Western Bulldogs 35204721420642084630.20.3510.710.321.04.23.15
2019 Western Bulldogs 3581417821926260.00.017.69.7527.43.253.25
Career 82 26 23 899 823 1722 281 247 0.3 0.3 11.0 10.0 21.0 3.4 3.0

Honours and achievements

References
  1. Edwards, Nat (27 November 2014). "Bulldogs a fitting home for diminutive Caleb Daniel". AFL.com.au. Retrieved 8 January 2016.
  2. Cherny, Daniel (11 July 2018). "Irish helmet in vogue, but jury still out". The Age.
  3. Guthrie, Ben (18 April 2016). "Tiny but mighty Dog taught to be a 'smart runner'".
  4. Hanlon, Peter (7 August 2015). "Bulldog Caleb Daniel makes short work of a big ask". The Age.
  5. Landsberger, Sam (4 July 2015). "Bulldogs youngster Caleb Daniel ignites Western Bulldogs on debut against Carlton". Herald Sun. News Corp. Retrieved 6 July 2015.
  6. Landsberger, Sam (18 April 2016). "Caleb Daniel snares Round 4 Rising Star nomination, eighth Western Bulldog since 2013". Herald Sun. News Corp Australia. Retrieved 6 September 2016.
  7. "West Coast v Western Bulldogs, Thursday 8 September 2016". Retrieved 16 May 2019.
  8. Reed, David (8 September 2016). "Every Bulldog rated: Million-dollar Dog's breakout game against Eagles". AFL.com.au. Retrieved 16 May 2019.
  9. "Caleb Daniel". AFL Tables. Retrieved 16 May 2019.
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