Lions star preparing to leave pregnant wife at home to continue the AFL season

Lions stalwart Daniel Rich has made the tough decision to leave his growing family behind to be part of an interstate AFL hub wit his Brisbane teammates.

Lions stars Daniel Rich (left) and Lachie Neale (right) are ready to take on Port Adelaide before heading interstate for an indefinite period. Picture: AAP Image/Darren England

Daniel Rich will put football before a growing family to remain a key part of Brisbane’s AFL premiership push.

The Lions star and his wife Lauren are expecting their second child, and already have a young son Xander.

But Rich is prepared to leave them behind in Brisbane as the Lions set themselves for an extended period interstate – following their Gabba clash with Port Adelaide on Saturday night – to ensure the season continues despite enforced border and travel restrictions in the fight against COVID-19.

It’s team first for Lions star Daniel Rich (centre) as he prepares from time away from his family in an interstate hub. Picture: Darren England/AAP Image

“Thank goodness for FaceTime,” Rich said.

“Obviously I’d prefer to be with my family but at the same time my family’s supportive either way … it’s important that we keep the season rolling.

“Everyone’s got their on situation. There are (players from) teams and clubs (in hubs) at the moment that have young families, and they’re making do.

“As players and as a footy club you’ve got to be adaptable, especially in the circumstances we’re facing at the moment.

“It’s all part of clubs contributing to keep the season going and as a player you’re supportive of that.”

Despite the prospect of weeks away from home, Rich’s sole focus is extending the Lions’ winning streak to four matches by beating the top-of-table Power on Saturday night.

“I haven’t looked too far ahead. Things are so fluid at the moment with what’s happening,” he said.

As a player you live in the now. All we’re focusing on at the moment is the Port Adelaide game.”

The Power are the only undefeated team in the competition and have revelled in their Queensland hub on the Gold Coast.

Charlie Dixon is in great form for Port Adelaide. Picture: Chris Hyde/Getty Images

Former Suns strongman Charlie Dixon is in superb form for the South Australians, having kicked six goals in the Power’s 48-point win over West Coast at Metricon Stadium last Saturday.

“He’s going really well, isn’t he?” said 30-year-old Rich said.

“We watched a fair bit of their game on the weekend and he played super. He’ll be a tough challenge, but he’s one of many in their team who’s playing really well.

“They’ve got a lot of dangerous forwards and midfielders … they’re well spread across the board. They’re a dangerous team.

“It’s going to be a tough challenge and a game we’re all looking forward to.”

The Lions will have to conquer Port without their captain Dayne Zorko, who will miss at least two matches with a strained calf.

“He’ll be back out there soon. There are other guys who’ll just have to step up,” Rich said.