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Even the calm and measured Daniel Rich admits playing finals at the end of his first AFL season feels “a bit surreal”.
The Brisbane Lions midfielder was rewarded for his outstanding debut year with a perfect Rising Star score as he predictably took out the award.
Rich, 19, polled 45 votes, 15 clear of Adelaide’s Andy Otten, to become the first Rising Star winner since Melbourne’s Jared Rivers in 2004 to achieve the highest-possible total.
Next comes Saturday night’s elimination final at the `Gabba against Carlton.
Rivers also played in September in 2004, but Rich can go one better if the Lions win because the Demons lost their elimination final.
“It is a bit surreal – going into an AFL (club) system, you’d be happy just to get a game, let alone play the full season and then be involved in finals,” Rich said.
“But I’m so excited to get out there on Saturday night.”
A few minutes earlier, Rich had drawn a big laugh from the audience when he said via video link from Brisbane that he was “so excited” about the finals.
Everything about his acceptance interview had been so respectful, straight-faced and clinical.
Rich stayed in Brisbane for the awards function because of Saturday’s final.
The midfielder won his Rising Star nomination in round one and his season has not let up since.
Jonathan Brown’s eyes have lit up at full-forward whenever Rich has taken possession ahead of centre, with the youngster boasting a superb left-foot kick.
“The individual accolades he is receiving, he understands what position he has in the team and the expectations we have (as coaches),” said Lions coach Michael Voss.
“I’m really ecstatic for him, it’s something you should cherish – it is a significant milestone.
“But then there are bigger things you’ve got to be able to look at and that’s finals this week, too.”
Rich was touted as a top-three draft pick midway through last year, but eventually went at No.7.
Coincidentally, the last two Rising Star winners, Joel Selwood (Geelong) and Rhys Palmer (Fremantle), were also No.7 picks.
Brisbane’s selection meant a move across the country from Rich’s native Perth.
Some kids might have found all that hard to take – if Rich has, he hides it well.
“Up here, it’s not too bad, which is another great thing about living in Brisbane,” Rich said of the lack of media attention.
“You can walk down the street and not that many people know you, so you can slip under the radar a bit.
“But I understand what comes with football and how much people love the game … I don’t see myself as bigger than anyone else.”
Rich again expressed sympathy for last year’s No.1 draft pick, Melbourne key forward Jack Watts.
While Rich had played seniors in the WAFL before graduating to the AFL, Watts had no such experience before his senior debut this year.
The Demons forward is clearly yet to realise his potential, but he received some criticism for his performance.
“To be honest, I did feel a bit for Jack, I know him quite well and he’s such a great kid,” Rich said.
“His time will come, he’s going to be a great player and I just wish people would give him a bit of time.”
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