Daniel Rich looms because the hard-luck story of the Brisbane Lions’ AFL premiership tilt, with coach Chris Fagan noting there are few fairytales with a lot at stake.
The 33-year-old has endured a tough season and has solely managed seven video games, together with his most up-to-date senior look in spherical 13.
At his greatest, Rich boasts top-of-the-line kicks within the sport, however the 275-gamer will battle to discover a spot in a staff that has confirmed its double probability.
Whether they host a qualifying remaining depends upon beating St Kilda in Saturday’s twilight sport on the Gabba.
“It’s going to be hard for him because he’s missed so much football,” Fagan stated.
“But that won’t stop him from trying and we want him to try, because you never know what’s ahead.”
In an interview posted on the AFL web site this week, Rich stated he didn’t wish to be a distraction and can be rapt if Brisbane gained a flag with out him within the facet.
“All I could think is what a great person he is and how selfless he is and how much he cares about the team,” Fagan stated of Rich’s feedback.
“All those things he said would have been genuine, too – not just saying it.
“He’s certainly one of Brisbane’s nice gamers and it is an actual pity for him that proper now that he cannot do what he desires to do.
“He’s facing a battle, but he’s still inspirational to all of us and he will be throughout the finals series.
“There aren’t too many fairytales going round.”
Rich will look on as the Lions play a St Kilda side that has returned to form and, like the home team, has a week-one finals carrot as motivation.
An upset win over Brisbane would secure the Saints a home elimination final, but they will be without key forward Max King, who is being managed.
“We perceive what’s on the road. We’d be fools if we did not as a result of that is all everyone is speaking about,” Fagan stated.
“We may end first, we may end fourth or wherever in between.
“The good thing is, the destiny is in our hands and if we win, we can’t finish any worse than second.
“It shall be on tomorrow evening. The pleasing factor for us is all of our video games within the final 5 weeks, together with tomorrow evening, the opposite staff has at all times had one thing to play for.
“So it’s been good (finals) preparation for us.”
Fagan added the larger significance was securing the double probability, quite than a week-one dwelling remaining.
“I back us in to win, wherever we finish. If we put all our eggs in the ‘finish top-two’ basket, and we don’t do it, are we cooked?,” he stated.
“Is that the end for us? We don’t see it that way.
“Yes, we might love to complete prime two – it is higher if you do not have to journey, as a result of we do it fairly usually.
“We think if we bring our best footy, we can win anywhere. The most important thing is the double chance.”
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
