Embarking on an AFL playing career is full of challenges.
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It is exciting, but it can also be daunting - especially when a move interstate is involved.
As a national game though. moving a long way from home goes with the territory.
South Australian teenager Caleb Daniel could hardly have expected a smoother transition in his move to the Western Bulldogs.
"The players and everyone at the club have been really welcoming," he said in Ballarat on Wednesday for the first day of the Bulldogs' two-day community camp.
Daniel, 18, said the Bulldogs having a largely young list had also helped him settle in quickly.
From South Adelaide in the SANFL, the 167cm Daniel was selected with pick 46 in last year's national draft.
He was stand-out player for SA in the national under-18 championships last year, with his carnival highlighted by a best-on-ground performance against Vic Country with 27 touches, eight tackles and three goals.
Daniel also made his mark in 11 SANFL senior games for South Adelaide.
As well as getting accustomed to new surroundings in Melbourne, adjusting to full-time football had been a major challenge for Daniel.
"It's a big difference to training three nights (a week)...backing up day-to-day."
He said it is as much as mental challenge as a physical one.
The teenager is thriving though under new coach Luke Beveridge and new captain Bob Murphy.
Daniel said Beveridge was very approachable.
"He's open, he's always available. He's like a mate."
Daniel said he did not have any specific goals for the year.
"I'd like to debut.
"As long as a I can play consistently," he said.