Small in stature, Caleb Daniel proves his game is big at AFL level

SOME AFL scouts simply couldn’t get their heads around the idea of drafting pint-sized Caleb Daniel, but South Adelaide coach Brad Gotch was convinced he could play at the level if got a chance.

SOME AFL scouts simply couldn’t get their heads around the idea of drafting pint-sized Caleb Daniel, but South Adelaide coach Brad Gotch was convinced he could play at the level if got a chance.

That view was vindicated on Saturday night when the 167cm ball magnet made a stunning debut for the Western Bulldogs — the club that heeded Gotch’s advice and gave him a go.

Daniel entered his debut match against Carlton at Etihad Stadium after half-time as a sub and, by three quarter-time, had nine disposals, two goal assists and a goal.

He finished with 15 disposals and was the No. 1 ranked player on the ground after half-time.

“It was everything I was hoping he would be able to do if he got a chance,’’ said Gotch, Daniel’s coach in 2014.

“He’s just so clean, he’s smart and he’s got a good tank.

“He seemed to come on and have an impact because he was able to out run his man basically. He’s just so constructive with his handball. He’s got all the tricks.”

Gotch says he had a number of conversations with recruiters as Daniel dazzled for South last season and all of them acknowledged his talent but most were put off by his size.

“Some of them just couldn’t come to terms with it,’’ says Gotch, who, at 166cm, played 96 games for St Kilda and Fitzroy.

“They knew he was good but it’s breaking new ground to draft someone who is less than 170cm.

“Some just couldn’t come to the decision to draft him but the Bulldogs were smart enough to get him.

“They really did their homework. I would have got four or five calls from two different recruiters just to keep going over stuff.”

The Dogs appear to have got a bargain after taking Daniel at No. 46 and he has almost instantly risen to cult hero status, pleasing Gotch, who’s phone rang hot as the youngster lit up Etihad Stadium.

South had a groundbreaking season last year, finishing third and having three players drafted or rookie-listed.

Keegan Brooksby has also played AFL football at Gold Coast and Gotch said the success of the ruckman, and Daniel, was good for the southern suburbs. “It helps the southern area to realise that there is a pathway,’’ Gotch said.