Few people, himself included, would have tipped GWS pocket rocket Brent Daniels to have played every game this AFL season, but the speedy forward seems to make a habit of defying expectations.
Heading into Saturday’s AFL grand final, the diminutive Daniels is one of just three ever-presents in the GWS side along with midfielder Tim Taranto and veteran defender Heath Shaw.
The 20-year-old’s career is blossoming nicely with 25 of his 32 appearances contributing to a breakout season.
Daniels broke a four-match goal drought by kicking the winning score in their memorable semi-final win over Brisbane and contributed another major in the preliminary final victory against Collingwood.
The continuity he’s enjoyed in 2019 is a stark contrast to his first year when a pre-season knee injury delayed his debut to round 16.
“To get a full pre-season in my second year … I got a lot stronger and fitter,” Daniels told AAP.
“Consistency with my pressure has been big for me this year.
“I didn’t really expect to play every game, as a second-year player it’s pretty special.
“It’s been a great year. I’ve worked hard for it throughout the pre-season and to be in a grand final is even better, a bit of a reward at the end of the season.”
Daniels didn’t take any notice of the sceptics who suggested he was too small to thrive in the AFL at just 170cm tall.
“When I was younger people would say it, but I never really listened,” he said.
“I just listened to the people that mattered … my family and my coaches always said that if I bought my best effort all the time, that I’d always be a chance
“Once I got that confidence I was all good,” said Daniels, who has already far exceeded the five games his father Greg played for Collingwood in 1986.