Rich to reap dividends
Daniel Rich is expecting to return to the form that won him the 2009 NAB Rising Star award after tearing in during pre-Christmas training
AFTER two self-proclaimed disappointing seasons, Brisbane Lions midfielder Daniel Rich says this pre-season is all about making amends.
Rich burst on to the scene in 2009, winning the NAB Rising Star award after being taken by the Lions with pick No.7 of the previous year's draft but in the two subsequent seasons, his form dipped as he started receiving extra attention from opposition coaching staff.
Speak to a number of Lions players and Rich's name is one of the first trotted out when they're asked which player has made the biggest strides since resuming training in early November.
"I've definitely made a few inroads and gains but I want to get bigger and stronger and faster and fitter, just like everyone else," Rich said.
"It's only Christmas time and I've made inroads, so a couple of months to go before the season starts, it's good fun."
The midfielder with the shock of blonde hair admitted his past two seasons were not up to his own high expectations, and it's something he wanted to rectify.
"It's been a big focus this pre-season to get fitter and stronger and have a big year," he said.
"There are a few bits and pieces I need to improve on and they've been a big focus this pre-season, working with the coaches … just the basics, the endurance, strength, simple things really have been a focus."
The Subiaco product played 59 consecutive matches to start his AFL career, before missing six straight towards the end of the season with a stress reaction in his foot.
He played in the final three rounds and said the injury setback had allowed him time to watch some footy and come into the pre-season fresh and raring to go.
Speaking after the Lions' final pre-Christmas training session at Coorparoo on Monday morning, Rich said training could not have gone better for the club to date.
"There's some good signs. There's a lot more guys training than at this time last year and the percentage of our training is up by about 20 per cent, so it can only be a good sign," he said.
"We're a young side, definitely on the way up, the club's in a great position. All the boys and the playing group are right behind it, so it's exciting times ahead."
