Brent Daniels reflects on his journey to 100 AFL games

Brent Daniels has become a key cog in the Orange Tsunami for the selfless role he plays. As LACHLAN MCKIRDY writes, it’s now the small forward’s turn to take the spotlight.

ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA - JUNE 29: Brent Daniels of the Giants competes with Billy Dowling of the Crows during the round 16 AFL match between Adelaide Crows and Greater Western Sydney Giants at Adelaide Oval, on June 29, 2024, in Adelaide, Australia. (Photo by Mark Brake/Getty Images)

Toby Greene, Errol Gulden, Marcus Bontempelli and Lachie Neale.

Regardless of your club affiliation, the quartet are considered four of the best players currently running around in the AFL. If your name was thrown in with them, you’d consider it to be among illustrious company.

But for Giants small forward Brent Daniels, who celebrates his 100th AFL match this week, not only is he alongside the four players, but in one category he is actually above them with the most goal assists in the competition so far in 2024.

It’s not necessarily the flashiest of statistics, but it’s one the Giants value immensely. And although Daniels isn’t one to focus too much on his own numbers, he takes it as a sign that he is playing his role week-in, week-out.

Daniels prides himself on playing his role week-in, week-out for the Giants. Picture: Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images

“That’s one thing Kingers has really brought,” Daniels said. “Every player has a role and you focus on doing that each week and I feel like I do that.

“Some weeks it might be hitting the scoreboard, but some weeks it might be setting other people up and that’s what I’m focused on. The role I play is really important for the team so I’m happy to do that.

“I think throughout my whole career I’ve been a really handy goal-assist player. I might not hit the scoreboard as much as other small forwards, but I do play a lot higher up the ground.

“It’s a nice stat, but you’ve also got to rely on your teammates kicking the goals.”

He knows it’s also a bonus that he’s finally above his captain Toby Greene – “If I’m ahead of him in any stat, I’ll be pretty happy with that.”

While the Giants’ season has been up and down in recent months, Daniels’ form has been incredibly consistent.

His six matches between rounds 12 and 17 were the highest-rated six-week stretch of his career. During that period he was the best small forward in the competition for contested possessions and forward 50 ground balls, while he wasn’t far behind for score involvements either.

Daniels’ relentless pressure has become a key asset for Adam Kingsley. Picture: Mark Stewart

Generating pressure higher up the ground is integral to Adam Kingsley’s style of play with the orange tsunami only successful if they can turnover the ball in dangerous positions. Daniels knows that helping the next generation of small forwards at the club adopt that mindset is yet another role he can play for the betterment of the team.

“I hope they look up to me a little bit,” Daniels said. “They’re pretty special talents.

“Darcy (Jones is) obviously really fast and clean and things like that, which is exciting to watch and Harvey (Thomas) is almost the guy that doesn’t do anything wrong. He’s jumped into his first year and I think he surprised everyone, to be honest.

“We’d love to get out inside 50s up over 50 a week, it’s probably not sustainable having 36 inside 50s a week (like against Richmond) and against the good teams, they’re probably going to punish you if you’re if you like that.

“It’s definitely a focus this week to create some more front-half turnovers and locking it in our front half a bit more.”

Daniels’ milestone this weekend has been a long time in the making. He debuted back in 2018 and missed the entire 2022 campaign through a foot injury, but the 25-year-old is finally playing the most consistent footy of his career.

The small forward has pushed through the pain of constant injuries to be a key leader for the Giants’ forward line. Picture: Brett Costello

As the Giants prepare to take on a Suns team looking for their first win away from home in 2024, Daniels knows better than most that nothing should be taken for granted.

“I think Dimma’s comments after their last loss away from home is pretty evident, they’ll be up for an away game,” Daniels said. “You always prepare for teams to be at their best I think and they’ve shown at their best they’re a really good team

“I’ve had a lot injury troubles over my journey, so I’m really proud to get to the 100-game milestone. As I said, it hasn’t been easy. So that’s probably what I’m most proud about.

“I’ve definitely had thoughts (that the milestone wouldn’t come). But ultimately, the club’s been really supportive of me. Every player has setbacks along the way, and my journey has probably been a bit longer than most.

“I always thought I could get back to it, there’s no doubt about that. I’m really grateful that I get to run out every week and really excited again to get out there on Saturday.”

Originally published as Brent Daniels reflects on his journey to 100 AFL games