Lions coach Michael Voss says Rich has maturity beyond his years and has earned the respect of the playing group.
“The big thing for Daniel is that he’s earned his respect by just working hard,” Voss said.
“He’s earned his reputation within our group from the work ethic that he’s been able to have.”
“No matter what he achieves from this year on, we know that he’s had some immediate impact on our group.”
Rich has averaged 17 possessions per game and ranks in the top five at the Lions for disposals (319) and tackles (99)
Lions Captain Jonathan Brown says the 19-year-old has the skills and mental maturity of a top level AFL player.
“He can win his own footy, great contested footy, great tackler,” Brown said.
“And out of all the kids in the ten years I’ve been here, he’s probably got the best temperament, or as good a temperament as any young player that’s come into the club.”
Brown has been on the end of Rich’s already renowned raking left foot numerous times this season, receiving pin-point 50m passes on a regular basis.
“Your eyes light up as a forward, no doubt,” Brown said.
“There’s a few of the guys that your eyes light up and he’s got a great ability with his penetrating kicks.”
“He not only kicks it a long way but he kicks it quickly, it gets to you very quickly so as a forward you can use that yard advantage that you get on your man.”
Brown believes Rich’s kicking will only get better with age and says his excellent vision is one of the main reasons his kicking is so accurate.
“It’s one thing to be able to kick it but you’ve actually got to see the forwards and kick it to the right man down the field,” Brown said.
Voss says Rich’s NAB AFL Rising Star Award is also a recognition of his teammates, for the work they’ve done mentoring him throughout the season.
“I think we all share a little bit in his milestone,” Voss said.
And Voss has six other clubs to thank for his Rich blessing, all which passed on the teenager, who was snapped up by the Lions at number seven in the AFL Draft.
Voss was surprised Rich was still available after recognising his talent at the AFL Draft Camp and lining up Rich for an interview.
“We made a little bit of a quip that we’ll make this interview quite short because he won’t be around when we have our pick,” Voss said.
“So we made it short but he was around when our pick was there.”
