LIONS TO KICK ON
BRISBANE defender Daniel Rich says the Lions have a timely chance to prove they can cope with the pressure of expectation when they host Collingwood at likely grand final venue the Gabba on Friday night.
Losses to AFL heavyweights Geelong and Richmond this season, as well as a straight-sets exit in last year’s finals series, have the Lions on notice to deliver on the biggest stage.
A blockbuster Friday night game against Collingwood, which has had the edge on Brisbane in recent years, looms as that stage.
Throw in the prospect of the Gabba this week being confirmed as the venue for this year’s decider, and there probably isn’t a better time for the Lions to make a statement by beating Collingwood for the first time since 2014.
“It’s been a while,” said Rich, who is set to return from a hamstring injury.
“Standing up in the bigger moments is something that we’ve learnt along the journey ... that’ll be no different.
“A lot of it’s to do with the moment and the flows of the game, and being able to adapt to certain situations during a game.
“In the past, it’s probably taken a little bit longer than it should have.
“Learning to pull the trigger on certain things a bit earlier is one of the things (to do). You embrace anything. You’re thrown in situations and it’s just about adapting.
“It’s been one of those years. We didn’t know the fixture ... there’s been so many things thrown at the group, but in a way that’s the exciting part of it.”
The 30-year-old was careful not to think ahead to the possibility of the Lions playing in this year’s grand final, but was excited about the boost the code would receive in Queensland if the Gabba was to host the biggest game on the AFL calendar.
“It’s not so much about the game. With grand finals it’s the build-up, (everything) that comes with it,” said Rich, who debuted for the Lions in 2009.
“For Queensland, I’ve seen a massive (increase in AFL interest) from my first day here to how it is now.
“We got to schools, club visits ... you see the game growing and growing. wing.
“I think it (the the
AFL grand final) al) would add an- other dimension, but that’s not locked in yet.”
Rich is desperate to return to action, having missed four of the Lions’ past five matches due to injury and suspension.