THEY were drafted on the same night more than five years ago, and now Daniel Rich and Jack Redden will play their 100th games together for the Brisbane Lions on Sunday.
In what was a successful 2008 NAB AFL Draft for the Lions, they grabbed West Australian Rich with pick No.7, then followed up with South Australian Redden in the second round at pick No.25.
With his flowing blond hair and thumping left-foot kick, Rich burst on to the scene with a 21-disposal debut in round one of the 2009 season against West Coast that earned him the Rising Star nomination.
He ultimately won that award and has since been earmarked for great things.
Redden took a little longer to grab headlines.
He made his debut in round 15 that season – against Geelong, the same team he will face on Sunday – and has not missed a game since.
The 23-year-old will be just the eighth VFL/AFL player to rack up a century of successive games since his debut.
On the field Rich is flamboyant and eye-catching with his style of play, while Redden can easily go unnoticed with his no-frills style of in-and-under footy.
Last year he was fourth in the league in tackles – a stat in which he rarely finishes outside the top five.
Off the field, both Rich and Redden are quietly spoken, but two of the first Lions players to approach fans and media for a chat.
"I'm pretty excited and honoured to run out in my 100th game with one of my good mates," Rich said after a skills training session on Tuesday.
"It's going to be a pretty special occasion.
"It's pretty exciting we can share this first little milestone together after having been through a fair bit together."
Rich said it was unbelievable for Redden to play his first 100 games in succession, but the hard-working midfielder put his good run down to luck.
"You've got to prepare every week as best you can. I guess I've been fortunate with injury … you just keep trying your best every week," Redden said.
"I'm not very superstitious, I just wear my Speedos every week and go to battle."
The only down note for the pair is that the third of the 'Three Rs' – Tom Rockliff – will not be joining them against the Cats.
The Lions' vice-captain has been at the club the same length of time after being taken in the 2008 pre-season draft, but has accepted a one-match suspension for rough conduct against Hawk Sam Mitchell.
Redden said it was "disappointing" to not be playing alongside his best mate at the weekend, but was hopeful of a similar result to his debut.
"We got a win in my first game," he said.
"I remember kicking a goal. It was all a bit of a blur because I was so excited. Hopefully we can get another win."
Twitter: @AFL_mikewhiting https://twitter.com/AFL_mikewhiting
