Caleb Daniel - The rise of the smalls

[Diamond_Jim 12,629]

Caleb Daniel's was drafted at pick 46 in 2014 and is presently 20 years of age.

Last night he had 30 possessions including 15 in the last quarter.

My question is why is he so good in a game that is dominated by six foot mid fielders.

Moreover are there others like Caleb hidden in the lower ranks that are worth seeking out.

[Watts the matter 1,235]

14 minutes ago, Diamond_Jim said:

Caleb Daniel's was drafted at pick 46 in 2014 and is presently 20 years of age.

Last night he had 30 possessions including 15 in the last quarter.

My question is why is he so good in a game that is dominated by six foot mid fielders.

Moreover are there others like Caleb hidden in the lower ranks that are worth seeking out.

Played a great game and was super clean but he was dropped to the VFL just a few weeks ago.

I think the reason he is good is quite simply because he is clean and a fast decision maker with the ability to use both hands and feet. The lack of basic skills of most draftees these days is astonishing. 

[TeamPlayedFine39 8,511]

He's a good footballer.

Too many overthink these things- good footballers play good football.

[John Crow Batty 8,879]

59 minutes ago, Diamond_Jim said:

Caleb Daniel's was drafted at pick 46 in 2014 and is presently 20 years of age.

Last night he had 30 possessions including 15 in the last quarter.

My question is why is he so good in a game that is dominated by six foot mid fielders.

Moreover are there others like Caleb hidden in the lower ranks that are worth seeking out.

Too many talented smaller types have their ambitions snuffed out early. The prevailing wisdom convinces them that they will never have a chance so they move on. Although things seem now to be changing.

Edited May 13, 2017 by america de cali

[Uncle Fester 2,848]

Coz AFL is unique. Bigs, smalls, built, skinny... Don't matter. There is a place for all if you can find the ball.

[Diamond_Jim 12,629]

the big change is that the game at AFL level is no longer man on man in the air. It is played more in the open and at ground level. Strength is still an issue

6 minutes ago, america de cali said:

Too many talented smaller types have their ambitions snuffed out early. The prevailing wisdom convinces them that they will never have a chance so they move on. Although things seem now to be changing.

Of course at lower levels the game is different and you are right these kids may not be encouraged.

Always thought that basketball when you get to around under 14's should be divided on a height basis. The smaller ones just fall away.

[Uncle Fester 2,848]

Are you saying a 19 yo Rob Flower wouldn't get a game today?

[chook fowler 19,594]

One of the best users of the ball in the competition. A very intelligent player.

[Dante 2,739]

He was a ball magnet in the under age competition but it appears that not many were prepared to risk him because he was so small.

[Moonshadow 17,677]

Daniel was not unknown before his draft. He got plenty of mentions. His skills and courage were known. It's just that many clubs considered his height prohibitive and put a line through his name on draft night

[dimmy 1,308]

His game was outstanding last night. One of his strongest features is his decision making. First class.

[Adzman 2,154]

Sam Mitchell had to toil it out in the VFL because he wasn't tall or quick. I'm guessing many clubs would like a do over with Mitchell.

The draft is a real crapshoot. If someone has great footy skills, they should be drafted regardless of height.