Lions veteran Daniel Rich has put his religion in Brisbane’s medical employees to make sure he has the most effective probability of that includes within the membership’s bid for its first AFL premiership in 20 years.
Rich, who turns 33 subsequent month, has overcome a calf harm to be chosen in Brisbane’s group for Sunday’s recreation at Adelaide Oval towards the Crows.
The Lions are chasing an eighth successive win and a ninth total victory in a season that has included simply two losses.
Rich has solely performed in 5 of Brisbane’s 10 matches, having additionally suffered a quad harm within the early phases of the Lions’ 2023 marketing campaign.
His newest three-game lay-off has his desperate to make up for misplaced time, however he’s adamant he’s not dashing his comeback.
“There’s a long way to go and I really want to be there for hopefully the back end of the year as well,” Rich mentioned after the Lions’ coaching session in Adelaide on Saturday.
“You trust the guys in charge of all that, the physios (and) the rehab staff. and just basically do what you’re told, and you’re back when you body tells you you’re back, so I’m really looking forward to the game.
“I’m not the greatest watcher. I’d definitely rather be out here. It’s a good challenge against the Crows at a great venue.
“They’re a great team and they play super well here. They’ve beaten a lot good sides here at Adelaide Oval so … we have to be ready to go from the first bounce.
Rich isn’t only Brisbane defender making a top-flight return on Sunday, with Darcy Gardiner named to make his first AFL appearance of the season after two games in the VFL following battles with shoulder and ankle injuries.
“He’s had a bit of an interrupted pre-season but he’s put a lot of work in the last couple of months and he’s in a great position to launch into the game (against the Crows),” Rich mentioned.
Gardiner’s return will assist cowl the lack of the in-form Jack Payne, who was dominated out after struggling delayed concussion in Brisbane’s 43-point win over the Gold Coast Suns in final weekend’s QClash on the Gabba.
“He’s had a fantastic year so far,” Rich mentioned of Payne.
“He’s one of those guys who you love to play alongside, and one of my good mates too, so it’s a shame he’s not out here but it’s a long season and his health is the number one priority.”
Originally revealed as Returning Lion Daniel Rich prepared for ‘challenge’ the Crows will give Brisbane at Adelaide Oval
Source: www.dailytelegraph.com.au
