Western Bulldogs utility Caleb Daniel has addressed his future following an opening half to the season that saw him spend a large portion of his campaign so far in the VFL.
Daniel featured in the Dogs' season opener against Melbourne as the tactical sub in what was a curious selection call from observers given the 27-year-old long-serving role as a key ball mover under Luke Beveridge.
The half-back was dropped following his side's Gather Round loss to Geelong, where he was subbed out of the game with 11 disposals to his name, and spent five of the next six weeks out of Beveridge's side as the coach hoped the premiership defender could re-find some form.
Despite a strong run at the state league level and the Dogs' form woes in the AFL, Daniel couldn't earn a reprieve until the club's Round 10 clash with GWS, where he again was selected as the sub.
The curiosity surrounding Daniel's situation over the opening 10 rounds of the season sparked intrigue into the South Australian's future despite his contract status at the Kennel until the end of 2026.
Thought to be a chance to potentially seek a move elsewhere given his capabilities and limited opportunities at the Western Bulldogs, Daniel has shut down any suggestion he might seek a move away from the club at the end of the year.
"This is the place I wanna be, I love the Bulldogs," Daniel toldย 7 Newsย on Friday.
"10 years at the footy club, I've played 180 or so games.
"I love the footy club, I love all the boys, I love the coaching staff and supporters. I'm contracted next year and nothing else has entered my mind."
Injuries in midfield have since opened up more opportunities at senior level for Daniel in recent weeks, with the 171cm talent putting in a strong finish to his side's narrow loss to Sydney before another strong outing against Collingwood this week.
The Edwardstown product said he's ready to play his role and help mentor the Dogs' emerging ranks, wanting to do whatever it takes to help his team.
"It's tough," Daniel said of his situation so far this year.
"Our VFL program is going really well, we're 10-0. It's nice to play some footy there and get some wins on the board.
"There's always pressure for spots. If guys are playing better footy than what you are in your role then you've got to sort of cop it on the chin and try and be a role model for the younger generation.
"If that's how it is, I can play my role when I come into the team, then that's important to me.
"'Bevo' has really instilled some confidence in me over the last few weeks. I suppose playing that VFL role I was able to get some touch through the midfield and work on some craft stuff I was probably lacking.
"I've come into the team to play my role and if I'm doing it well I'll hold my spot."
Daniel looks set to hold his role in the Bulldogs' side for next week despite the likely returns of midfield pair Tom Liberatire and Ed Richards from concussion.
The club is likely to be without James Harmes and Laitham Vandermeer due to hamstring concerns, while forward Sam Darcy is expected to miss the Dogs' upcoming meeting with the Lions through suspension.
