Daniel Rich has been recognised as one of the competition’s premier defenders, selected in the 2021 Therabody All Australian Team. 

Named at the half back flank in the all star side, this is the first All Australian blazer for the Brisbane Lions veteran.  

His selection comes off the back of an outstanding 13th season of AFL for the 31-year-old that has seen him play what is arguably some the best football of his career. 

With his trademark booming left foot and defensive drive off half back, Rich cemented his position as the number one go-forward player in the AFL, gaining 13,939m over the season at an average of 633.6m a game.  

His effective ball use also saw the defender gather a personal best 575 possessions, the second highest of the Lions behind Jarryd Lyons (620).  

With Finals yet to get underway, Rich could be set to top 600 possessions, a feat which would make him just the seventh Brisbane player to do so in a season. 

A key member of the Lions’ formidable defensive line up, Rich credits his teammates in helping him produce some of his strongest football to date. 

“I’m really thrilled to earn this selection, but I feel like it is a by-product of the great team performances we’ve produced this year,’’ he said. 

“We have a great defence, they are all really good players, and we are a tight bunch who work hard for each other, and I think that helps all of us. 

“And any defender will tell you the job starts up the ground and the pressure from our midfielders and forwards this year has been terrific.’’