Brisbane veteran Daniel Rich has embraced the “highest” flag expectations he has felt in his 15 years on the Lions and says it’s his dream to carry the premiership trophy aloft along with his former captain Dayne Zorko.
Boosted by some prized recruits and a powerful pre-season, the Lions are filled with confidence forward of their 2023 AFL opener towards Port Adelaide on Saturday.
In the annual captains’ survey final week, the Lions have been the one group picked by each different skipper to succeed in the finals, with 4 choosing them to play within the grand remaining.
Rather than be weighed down by the stress of being anticipated to – on the very least – contest the final sport of the season, Rich and the Lions are revelling in being thought of premiership favourites.
“This is definitely the highest,” Rich stated by way of premiership expectations – each inner and exterior – he has skilled since debuting for Brisbane in 2009.
“That’s the truth; I know it’s a long way away, the stuff that’s being spoken about, but you’d rather that be spoken about than being spoken about as ‘they’re going to finish last or second last’.
“It’s one of the things that comes with being a good side, but at this point in time we’re just a good side on paper.
“We know we’ve got a good list and a good team, but it’s a matter of actually getting it done.
“A season is a long year, and we’re going to have games that are going to be better than others or worse than others, but that’s part of the ebbs and flows of the season.
“Team glory’s a long way away; we know we have plenty of work to do to get to that last stage of the year.”
Now 32, Rich additionally is aware of time is probably operating out for him to win an AFL premiership.
“It sharpens the axe a little bit in terms of where your head’s at and what are you rolling in every day to do, but it’s one of those things I’d love to do,” he stated.
And “to do” it with fellow veteran Zorko, who stays unsure for Saturday’s conflict at Adelaide Oval with a hamstring damage regardless of coaching on Tuesday, could be the icing on the cake for Rich.
“He’s one of my close friends; I’m so proud of what he’s done for our footy club,” he stated.
“Him stepping down as captain hasn’t really changed what he’s like as a person or a player.
“I’d love to be there one day holding up the (premiership) cup next to him with my arm around him.
“I’ve been around this club for a long time with him, and he’s been huge; a major instrument in the turnaround of our footy club.”
Originally printed as Brisbane Lions embracing expectation after being picked to succeed in grand remaining
Source: www.dailytelegraph.com.au
