Lions coach Chris Fagan insists there will likely be no room for sentiment with regards to Daniel Rich’s hopes of being a part of Brisbane’s September push for an AFL premiership.
A veteran of 275 appearances for the Lions, Rich, 33, has endured a tough season, with a lack of kind and accidents limiting him to simply seven AFL matches.
Currently nursing a hamstring downside, Rich is aware of he’s at lengthy odds to drive his method again into Brisbane’s in-form defensive unit and admits that retirement might be on the playing cards at season’s finish.
A flag can be the right method for Rich to hold up his boots, such has been his contribution to the membership since making his AFL debut for the Lions in 2009.
However, he this week stated he didn’t need to be a “distraction” can be “so happy for the boys” in the event that they gained a premiership with out him.
Fagan stated it was powerful to witness Rich’s battle with kind and health however praised him for his optimistic angle.
“It’s going to be hard for him (to get back in the team) because he’s missed so much football,” the Lions coach stated forward of Brisbane’s conflict with St Kilda on the Gabba on Saturday.
“But that won’t stop him from trying and we want him to try because you never know what’s ahead, what injuries you might get and what you might need
“All I can think of is what a great person he is, and how selfless he is, and how much he cares about the team.
“Daniel’s one of maybe eight players that are left from when I first came here (in 2017). He’s seen the bad times and he’s been experiencing some of the good times in the last few years.
“You want it for them because you know they deserve it, but that’s not life unfortunately. There’s not many fairytales going around.”
The Lions will assure themselves a top-two spot – and two finals matches on the Gabba, the place they’re but to lose this season – with a win over the Saints, who could make sure of a house recreation within the first week of the finals collection by beating Brisbane.
“Coming into this game, their form has been really consistent,” Fagan stated of the Ross Lyon-coached outfit.
“We know what’s coming, so we’ll be ready.”
The Lions have made one change to the 22 chosen for final Friday’s win over Collingwood, with skilled midfielder Jarrod Lyons – who was the substitute towards the Magpies – coming in for injured ahead Linc McCarthy (calf).
“Jarryd played really well when he came on last week and he deserves his opportunity,” Fagan stated.
“That’s the criteria. Linc will be available next game so that might change things again, but that’s a reward for (Lyons’) effort.”
Originally printed as Brisbane veteran Daniel Rich faces battle to play finals with the Lions
Source: www.dailytelegraph.com.au
