DANIEL Rich is hopeful of playing in the VFL this weekend to keep the dream alive of a fairytale ending after announcing on Monday he would retire at the end of the season.
Rich has battled soft tissue injuries most of the year, but if he gets through training this week, will roll out for Brisbane against Williamstown at Brighton Homes Arena on Saturday.
Speaking to reporters on Tuesday morning, the 33-year-old said although his body had ultimately got the best of him, he was not going to let the past six months detract from his 275-game career.
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"I've known for a little while this year would be my last, but it was then a matter of when that would be announced," Rich said.
"It all comes around pretty quick when you get a little bit older.
"Probably the last hamstring injury I did about a month ago was the one that had me thinking 'Gee, this is probably the time to wrap things up at the end of this year'.
"I'm not going to let that circumstance define my career or me as a person.
"If it (getting back in the senior team) happens, that'd be amazing and if it doesn't, hopefully I can still play a part in a different way and be there to support the boys."
Rich has forged a career as one of the game's best rebounding defenders after being taken by the Lions with pick No.7 in the 2008 AFL Draft, claiming All-Australian honours in 2021 along with the Rising Star and AFLPA Best First Year Player award in 2009, and a Michael Tuck Medal in 2013.
When Brisbane was at its lowest ebb in 2016, the West Australian knocked back offers to return to his home state, signing a long-term deal to keep him at the Gabba.
From there, he flourished, with Chris Fagan walking in the door 12 months later and turning Rich from a midfielder to a defender.
"I'm so proud I've stayed here," Rich said.
"The club puts so much into you as a young human and young footballer when you arrive, and I've always been one that wanted to repay the faith in whichever way I can.
"Yes, there's been tough times, there's been highs and lows, but I'll be able to sit back and say I'm really proud to call myself a Lion for my whole career."
Whether that tenure involves another senior game is still up in the air, with a settled backline including Keidean Coleman, Darcy Wilmot and Conor McKenna.
But if the fairytale is to unfold, it starts this weekend against the Seagulls.
Brisbane chief executive Greg Swann paid tribute to Rich following the veteran's announcement.
"There's no doubt that when people think of the Brisbane Lions, Daniel Rich is one of the main players they think of and that's one of the best compliments you could have," he said.
"'Richy' has had a career most players would envy, and he has given so much to the Brisbane Lions Football Club both on and off the field."
Lions footy manager Danny Daly further praised Rich – a player he shares an extra tight bond with.
"It's near impossible to find the words that give 'Richy' the credit he deserves for what he has achieved individually and for what he has given to this club," he said.
