Brisbane Lions star Daniel Rich signs with Noosa Tigers in QAFL

He is the retiring 275-game AFL veteran who was overlooked for the AFL grand final, but the impact of Daniel Rich won’t be underestimated in the QAFL. Find out which club has landed the former Lion.

Daniel Rich of the Brisbane Lions. Picture: Michael Klein

Recently retired AFL star Daniel Rich has been revealed as the newest big name to join the Noosa Tigers QAFL squad for the 2024 season.

Rich announced in September that his stellar 275-game career would come to an end following 15 seasons with the Brisbane Lions.

Despite only featuring in seven matches for the Lions in 2023, the 33-year-old said he was extremely excited to be joining the Tigers and linking up with former teammate Matt Leuenberger.

“There’s plenty of attractions, I’ve obviously heard a lot about the club in the past and I’ve been to Noosa numerous times so it’s quite a special place to play footy,” Rich said.

“I’ve got a massive connection to the new coach in Matty Leuenberger which is exciting.

“I’ve known him since before I started playing footy, from back in Western Australia where we both grew up together.”

Daniel Rich of the Lions kicks the ball from Jordan Dawson of the Crows during the 2023 AFL Round 11 match between the Adelaide Crows and the Brisbane Lions at Adelaide Oval on May 28, 2023 in Adelaide. Picture: Sarah Reed/AFL Photos via Getty Images.

The 2021 All Australian said he was eager to be involved in the club both on and off the field.

“I’ve still got a massive passion for footy so I thought why not keep playing and Noosa is a fantastic place and a fantastic club,” he said.

“I’m looking forward to not only playing and ripping in but also teaching the young guys and the guys that are here what I can just based on my experiences.

“I’m pumped to be on board and excited for what’s to come.”

Noosa Tigers new signing Daniel Rich with the club's director of football, Ben Collins.

Noosa Tigers director of football Ben Collins labelled the move as ‘the biggest signing of the club’s history’.

“I met Richy through a mutual mate up in Noosa and I said to him jokingly if he would consider coming to Noosa when he retired,” Collins said.

“He said to me that he was considering retirement earlier in the year and he was interested in playing in South East Queensland.

In June Rich held a junior skills clinic at the club which is where negotiations started.

“We were having low-level chats from there but once he announced his retirement it all started to heat up and once Matt (Leuenberger) got appointed he got involved as well,” Collins said.

“Everyone is really excited and not only for our senior side but for our juniors as well.

The club has also announced the signings of a host of VFL stars such as Nathan Horbury, Mitchell Conn and Rhys Free.

“I think we’re in really good shape, I’ve been keeping it all under my hat for a while but it’s all very exciting and with Matty taking over as coach it should be great fun,” Collins said.