FRESH year, fresh legs, fresh start.
Lions vice-captain Daniel Rich is looking forward to putting an injury ruined 2014 behind him, when he runs out at The Gabba against Collingwood on April 4.
The vice-captain hasn't played a game since rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament in round three last season. Rich said the pre-season had been taxing but he and his teammates are prepared for the challenge of Pies.
“You do so much work over the pre-season and pre-season games.
“I’m excited to play, don’t get me wrong. It’s going to be amazing to be back playing at the Gabba. To have our home base, with our home fans against a big Melbourne team it’s going to be a huge game for the Club. I can’t wait.”
The new season has also brought about a positional change for Rich with the left-footer finding his way at half back.
“It’s been great I’ve loved it (the change) – it’s good to I suppose add a few strings to the bow.
“Playing down back I’ve formed a few different relationships with the boys there, but it’s good to know I can play midfield still at the same time if needed – swing in there.
“It’s a bit of flexibility but I’m just excited to play. I’d play off the bench or sub if I had to”, he said.
Rich also revealed the importance of teammate Mitch Robinson to the Club in 2015. Robinson, recruited from Carlton at the end of last season, spoke on Monday about the perception of visiting clubs viewing the Lions as ‘a little bit of a walkover team’. Blues coach Mick Malthouse told Melbourne radio 5AA that Robinson was ‘telling porkies’ and the comments were ‘disrespectful’.
“That’s what we love about Robbo, he is what he is. He speaks his mind, but that’s in the past and it’s between Mick and Robbo. For us it’s all about what we’re doing here and now and about Round one against the Pies.
“Robbo’s just got that hard edge, you know what you’re going to get - game in, game out whether that’s training or game day. He’s just one of those guys that comes in, gets the job done and he’s definitely happy for a laugh around the change rooms that’s for sure”, Rich said.
“It’s bit of outside noise at the end of the day.”
