In his first match as senior coach, Voss had to endure a nerve-racking final quarter before squeaking home 14.11 (95) to 13.8 (86).
Debutant Rich, chosen by the Lions at number seven overall in last year’s NAB AFL National Draft, was poised and polished on debut, collecting 21 touches.
Voss said it was the youngster’s work ethic that impressed him most, and not just his penetrating left boot that led directly to a number of goals.
“It was a great reward for him,” Voss said. “It looks great with the ball in your hands, but if you don’t have the right work-rate, the right attitude and you don’t do the right things, then you don’t get a game
“His reward is for putting the work in and getting the best out of himself.”
After trailing by 25 points at quarter-time, and by as much as 38 during the second term, Voss said the Lions regained some control once they got their hands on the contested ball.
He praised the work of Travis Johnstone (37 disposals), Luke Power (35) and goalsneak Rhan Hooper (four goals) in a tough round one performance.
Voss also saved mention for Troy Selwood’s tagging job on Eagles dangerman Daniel Kerr.
“Round one – the team getting a win on the board – can’t ask for anything better,’’ he said.
“I thought it was a game where we persisted.
“It was going to take an enormous persistence from us to be able to keep coming at the opposition ... and the guys did it.
“It wasn’t flashy, it wasn’t great but I don’t know too many round one games that are. They’re hard work, they’re hard and tough.’’
Voss said he felt like he was riding the bumps with the players in the coach’s box and joked he was ‘cool’ when things got tight in the final term.
“I liked it. The one thing I love is that you’re competing again.”
He said Simon Black was a late withdrawal with illness but expected him to be available for next week’s match against Carlton.
