'Six clubs': Rivals circle exiled premiership star

Jimmy Bartel believes that rival clubs will show serious interest in Western Bulldogs small defender Caleb Daniel comes season’s end.

The half back flanker is still contracted to the Bulldogs until the end of 2026, but Bartel is confident it won’t stop their opposition from offering mega deals.

Daniel, who is a 2016 premiership player, 2020 All-Australian and 2020 best and fairest, looks to have fallen out of favour with coach Luke Beveridge in 2024.

In the Dogs’ four matches of the season, Daniel has either started or finished the game as the substitute.

Bartel has expressed shock that Daniel, alongside ruckman/forward Rory Lobb have been out-of-favour, considering their high price tags.

Caleb Daniel could attract serious interest at the end of the year.

“There are massive list management decisions for them and salary cap, if you name the three (big) players, Daniel, (Jack) McRae and (Rory) Lobb, that’s $2 million not playing,” Bartel said on Nine’s Footy Classified on Wednesday night.

“It’s a huge chunk of your (salary) cap (not playing).

“They’ve got some massive decisions, how they play out this year.”

Leading AFL reporter Damien Barrett says he expects Daniel to attract a high price tag for his services, especially if clubs attempt to lure him away from Whitten Oval while he is still contracted.

“Best and fairest winner in 2020, All-Australian in the same year, on good money, big money, $700,000 plus, maybe even $750,000 plus,” Barrett said.

Caleb Daniel has been subbed in or out of all games in 2024.

“The party line will be that he’s a contracted player, but there’s going to be interest in him, given twice out of the four games he’s played he’s either started or ended up as the sub.”

Matthew Lloyd is anticipating up to six rival clubs could bid for the 27-year-old, who is still in the prime of his career.

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“I’m a huge fan of Caleb Daniel. I think there should be four, five, six clubs (after him),” Lloyd said.

“A half back flanker, you can’t have too many of them.”

The Bulldogs have started their season 2-2, now looking ahead to their match against Essendon on Friday night at Marvel Stadium.