Caleb Daniel

Caleb Daniel (born 7 July 1996) is a professional Australian rules footballer who plays for the Western Bulldogs in the Australian Football League (AFL). He is currently listed as the shortest player (standing at 168 cm) in the AFL, and is one of the few players who regularly wears a protective helmet, having done so since his playing days at junior level.

Prior to this, Daniel was originally from Beaudesert, Queensland before he then moved to Adelaide and studied at Aberfoyle Park High School and played eleven senior games for South Adelaide in the SANFL. He credits his coach at South Adelaide, former Fitzroy and St Kilda rover Brad Gotch, for instilling confidence in him at the start of his senior career.

Daniel was selected by the Bulldogs with pick 46 of the 2014 National Draft. While he was overlooked by other clubs due to his short stature, Simon Dalrymple, the Bulldogs' chief recruiter at the time, had been impressed by Daniel, commenting: "His decision-making stood out, his ball-handling... He can keep on running. And he's got fantastic agility, and when you've got that lateral movement it buys you a bit more time." He made his debut in an 11-point win against Carlton as the starting substitute in round 14 of the 2015 season.

After the promise shown in his debut season, Daniel took his game to the next level the following season, playing all but two games due to calf injury and playing a key role in the Bulldogs' drought-breaking premiership. In Round 4 2016, he was the round nominee for the 2016 AFL Rising Star after collecting 25 disposals in a 36-point win against Carlton. He would finish runner-up to Sydney's Callum Mills. Daniel was among the Bulldogs' best players in the Elimination Final win over West Coast at Subiaco Oval, amassing a then career-high 33 disposals and kicking a goal.

Statistics are correct to the end of Round 8, 2019 season

• Team
  • AFL premiership: 2016
• Individual
  • AFL Rising Star nominee: 2016