EXCITEMENT and relief were the overwhelming emotions for WA teenager Daniel Rich after his name was called as the No.7 pick of the 2008 draft by the Brisbane Lions.
Excitement at the thought of playing under the legendary Michael Voss and alongside the likes of Jonathan Brown and Simon Black.
And relief that, after a high-profile lead-up to draft day, his dream of becoming an AFL footballer was finally set to be a reality.
Pre-draft analysis had the Subiaco boy a potential top-three pick, with Fremantle believed to be choosing between Rich and fellow West Australian Stephen Hill with its No.3 pick.
“It’s been pretty full-on after the draft camp and in the days coming up to the draft camp I really tried to relax and keep an open mind,” Rich said.
“Everyone was saying that Freo would be choosing between myself and Stephen Hill, but I didn’t want to get caught up in it – whatever was going to happen, was going to happen.
“To be drafted to such a great and proud club, I’m just stoked. With the players that are at the Lions and Vossy as the coach, I just can’t wait to get over there and get stuck in.”
At almost 184cm and 83kg, Rich will arrive at the Gabba with a body which, while still having room for growth, will allow him to compete at AFL level from the outset.
Already a dual senior premiership player at Subiaco, he also hopes his experience playing against mature bodies in the WAFL will stand him in good stead.
The last two No.7 selections in the draft have been the ready-made Joel Selwood and Rhys Palmer, both of whom went on to win Rising Star awards.
“Playing at Subi I was around guys who had been through the AFL system and I made sure I watched and learnt what they did,” Rich said.
“To be able to play with guys like Jarrad Schofield, Phil Read and Daniel Chick and talk to them about what it takes to succeed at that level was something I’m thankful for.”
While the move from Perth to Brisbane would be a daunting one for most 18-year-olds, Rich is aiming to take it all in his stride.
Like another Perth boy at the Gabba, champion midfielder Simon Black, he plans on taking advantage of the quality surf spots within striking distance of Brisbane.
“From what I’ve seen of it, Brisbane is a pretty laid-back kind of a town that will suit my nature,” he said.
“I’ve been there before with the State 16s team and also my family did a trip where we went to northern New South Wales and Queensland and did a bit of surfing.
