BRISBANE Lions youngster Daniel Rich was a popular prediction for this year’s NAB AFL Rising Star but he says winning the trophy hasn’t crossed his mind since moving from Perth at the end of last year.

Rich, who is the season’s first nomination after a stellar AFL debut against West Coast on Saturday night, said he had already achieved his main goal last week when he played his first game for the Lions.

“I don’t really aim for those sorts of things. I was just happy to get a game on the weekend let alone get nominated," he said from Brisbane on Monday.

"It’s an honour but it was never a focus for me,” he said.

Far from being satisfied with simply getting on the field, Rich turned in an eye-catching performance at the Gabba, gathering 21 possessions in the win over the Eagles, the side he grew up supporting.

The 18-year-old said he was not overawed at the prospect of running out against players he was paying to watch this time last year.

“I always supported the Eagles but I’m Brisbane through and through now. I didn’t really think about it too much,” he said.

“I’ve been at the club now for three months and I don’t really have that mindset at all anymore. They [the Eagles] are just another team to me now.”

Rich was one the most highly-rated players in the lead-up to the 2008 NAB AFL Draft. Many experts had him tipped to be taken by Fremantle at No. 3, but Freo chose fellow West Australian Stephen Hill instead, who also made a solid AFL debut on the weekend.

But Rich said he isn't bothered by not being able to stay in his native Western Australia and has comfortably set himself up with girlfriend Justine on the other side of the country.

“I like Brisbane and I’ve been here before. It has good weather and a good lifestyle," he said.

"I wasn’t disappointed [to be drafted by the Lions], I just wanted the chance to play AFL and the opportunity to be at a club. Not being able to stay home didn’t bother me whatsoever.

“Having Justine over here is great just having someone from back home. You need to have a life outside of footy and that has helped.”