Caleb Daniel thought he was in trouble when Luke Beveridge called him into his office during weights early on Thursday afternoon. In fact the reason was quite to the contrary.
The mood quickly lightened as the Bulldogs coach revealed to the young midfielder that he will make his debut Saturday night against Carlton.
Just days before his 19th birthday next Tuesday, Daniel will become the fourth player out of last year’s Dogs draft class – behind Lukas Webb, Bailey Dale and Toby McLean – to make his debut in 2015.
Daniel has been amongst Footscray’s best in the VFL in recent weeks, and comes off an equal-team high 24-disposals, one goal performance in the state-league side’s narrow loss to Sandringham.
VIDEO: Watch highlights of Caleb Daniel's 24-disposal, one goal VFL performance against Sandringham.
The 18-year-old played two NAB Challenge matches, before a minor knee injury sidelined him for the opening month of the season.
While Daniel’s form in the VFL since his return from injury had been good, the tap on the shoulder by Beveridge did catch the slick-skilled midfielder slightly off-guard.
“I was just enjoying playing footy and I played a couple of good games, but it was a bit of a shock and surprise when [Beveridge] pulled me aside,”
Serendipitously, Daniel’s debut match comes in the same week that the national under 18 championships concluded.
12-months ago in the same championships, Daniel firmed his draft credentials, winning All Australian honours and averaging 20 disposals at 92 percent efficiency.
He came to the Kennel with experience playing against men through 11 senior SANFL matches last year, but Daniel is under no illusions with what awaits on the other side of the white line at Etihad Stadium on Saturday night.
“It’s obviously a pretty exciting time for myself, but I’m just looking forward to getting out there tomorrow and just getting a kick, but more importantly getting a win with the boys.”
“It’s obviously a massive challenge, something I’ve dreamed about all my life, and I’m keen to get out there.”
Daniel will line-up in the number 35 Guernsey, which was presented to him by former player and senior coach Terry Wheeler on Friday morning.
PLAYER PROFILE: View Caleb Daniel's player profile.
