AFL: New Kangaroo Caleb Daniel opens up on his exit from the Western Bulldogs

Caleb Daniel was playing AFL footy consistently for almost nine years when he was sent to the Bulldogs reserves. He reveals how he found himself on the outer and off to North Melbourne.

Caleb Daniel has moved to North Melbourne.

New North Melbourne half back Caleb Daniel says he lost the “trust” of the Western Bulldogs coaching staff but says the pain of those emotions will drive him to greater heights next season at Arden Street.

Daniel was paraded at North Melbourne on Monday as the club’s star recruit after the Roos handed over pick 25 for the All Australian in a trade period where they also picked up Luke Parker, Jack Darling and Jacob Konstanty.

His trade only went through in the final five minutes of the trade period, with Daniel’s phone coming in and out of reception as he was buying a Tokyo Giants baseball jumper while holidaying in Japan.

Daniel played eight VFL games last year and was the sub in seven AFL games, a shock result for a deputy vice captain who had finished fourth in the 2023 best-and-fairest.

Caleb Daniel in his new colours. Picture: Getty Images

He was lauded by the Dogs for the way he kept his head high but speaking for the first time about his departure, he admitted his continued non-selection hurt.

“Obviously you’re always seeking to play AFL footy, and I was able to do that for probably nine years and do it relatively successfully,” he said.

“And then last year (2024) didn’t pan out my way, probably through form and a lack of trust from some of the coaching staff and some confidence issues in my own ability.

“So I think being able to come to a new club and have a fresh start, that’s pretty special to me. And it’s exciting.

“It’s always going to hurt if some people lose confidence in you, and as a proud person, you never want that to happen.

Luke Beveridge chats with Daniel. Picture: Getty Images

“So it does drive you. It drove me throughout the year as well to keep my chin up and hold my head high and come to the footy club and still put in wholeheartedly into the program. So yeah, it does hurt, but it’s exciting to see the way that we’re able to go about it here and throughout this preseason. And I’m looking forward to that challenge.”

Daniel admits he isn’t sure why his fall from grace was so sudden after a strong pre-season at Whitten Oval leading into the 2024 season.

Jack Macrae’s hamstring injury gave Beveridge an excuse to change up his midfield mix,

[1] new message from Caleb Daniel 📬#Kangaspic.twitter.com/i8In1DudLP

— North Melbourne FC (@NMFCOfficial) October 23, 2024

“(The summer) panned out just as I wanted. I was playing some decent intra-club football, I was running really well and covering the ground well. And they just went with a different mix.

“They wanted some speed off half back and they wanted a couple of young guys in the midfield. And that’s up to the Western Bulldogs to choose their team. And they went without me. And that’s fair enough as well. But I still feel like I have got a lot left to give. And I don’t think they were looking at it the same way.”

The 28-year-old will play a mix of midfield and half back under Alastair Clarkson, who has already urged him to bring his famed leadership and professionalism to Arden Street.

He is already looking forward to sharing a field with the helmeted Tristan Xerri, who shares a manager and a love of headgear with Daniel.

Xerri and Daniel will both don the helmet at the Roos next year. Picture: Getty Images

Daniel has worn his headgear since his junior days. Picture: Michael Klein.

The Dogs’ hard-line stance on his trade meant he had to officially nominate the Roos as a trade partner but the deal still went down to the line with 2016 premiership defender Daniel waiting for confirmation.

“I was in Japan when the trade happened and I had bugger all service. I went to my girlfriend and said, you might have to let me know if it comes through on Instagram. But I ended up having reception at the time. I was buying a Tokyo Giants baseball jersey at the time and I got a phone call from my manager so I quickly had to rush out of there and answer the call. And he said you will be playing for the Kangaroos next year.

“It was really exciting to get that phone call. It was two hours behind so we were banking on it happening a little bit earlier but it came down to the last 10 minutes or so.”