Returning Lion Daniel Rich ready for ‘challenge’ the Crows will give Brisbane at Adelaide Oval

Daniel Rich is keen to make an impact for the Brisbane Lions after missing three matches with a calf injury.

Daniel Rich (centre) is ready to return for the Brisbane Lions. Picture: Albert Perez/Getty Images

Lions veteran Daniel Rich has put his faith in Brisbane’s medical staff to ensure he has the best chance of featuring in the club’s bid for its first AFL premiership in 20 years.

Rich, who turns 33 next month, has overcome a calf injury to be selected in Brisbane’s team for Sunday’s game at Adelaide Oval against the Crows.

The Lions are chasing an eighth successive win and a ninth overall victory in a season that has included just two losses.

Rich has only played in five of Brisbane’s 10 matches, having also suffered a quad injury in the early stages of the Lions’ 2023 campaign.

His latest three-game lay-off has his eager to make up for lost time, but he’s adamant he’s not rushing his comeback.

Daniel Rich is glad to be back for the Brisbane Lions. Picture: Quinn Rooney/Getty Images

“There’s a long way to go and I really want to be there for hopefully the back end of the year as well,” Rich said after the Lions’ training session in Adelaide on Saturday.

“You trust the guys in charge of all that, the physios (and) the rehab staff. and just basically do what you’re told, and you’re back when you body tells you you’re back, so I’m really looking forward to the game.

“I’m not the greatest watcher. I’d definitely rather be out here. It’s a good challenge against the Crows at a great venue.

“They’re a great team and they play super well here. They’ve beaten a lot good sides here at Adelaide Oval so … we have to be ready to go from the first bounce.

Rich isn’t only Brisbane defender making a top-flight return on Sunday, with Darcy Gardiner named to make his first AFL appearance of the season after two games in the VFL following battles with shoulder and ankle injuries.

“He’s had a bit of an interrupted pre-season but he’s put a lot of work in the last couple of months and he’s in a great position to launch into the game (against the Crows),” Rich said.

Gardiner’s return will help cover the loss of the in-form Jack Payne, who was ruled out after suffering delayed concussion in Brisbane’s 43-point win over the Gold Coast Suns in last weekend’s QClash at the Gabba.

“He’s had a fantastic year so far,” Rich said of Payne.

“He’s one of those guys who you love to play alongside, and one of my good mates too, so it’s a shame he’s not out here but it’s a long season and his health is the number one priority.”