Daniel Rich and Brisbane Lions primed for footy’s longest road trip

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EXPERIENCED Brisbane playmaker Daniel Rich has urged his young teammates to embrace the longest regular trip in football and use it as a development tool.

Rich, a first-round draft pick from Subiaco in 2008, returns to WA for his first match at Optus Stadium when Brisbane take on resurgent Fremantle today.

The Dockers have won five of seven games in Perth this season, and are on average an eight-goal better team in front of their vocal fans.

The Lions are the competition’s second-worst performed team and are winless on six interstate trips this season.

Their average losing margin away from home is 37.5 points.

But 174-gamer Rich predicted the young Lions would steel themselves and produce a competitive display after flying 3600km west yesterday.

“It’s going to be a tough task and it’s funny, but it’s actually nice to have a bit further to travel with the team,” Rich said.

“I can’t put a percentage on it, but it is definitely harder to win away, especially with the longer trip, the time difference and all the little things that come into the preparation. But it’s an exciting task.

“The boys enjoy getting over to Perth and seeing it as a challenge.

“We have a good little band of Lions supporters (in WA) but obviously they’ll be outnumbered, so it kind of feels like the playing group versus the rest.

“It will be good to play at the new stadium and the boys are looking forward to attacking the back half of the year.”

Brisbane endured a further test of their resolve this week, concerning the long-term health of Harris Andrews after a sickening collision with GWS forward Jeremy Cameron.

The talented young defender was hospitalised with a brain bleed. Cameron was suspended for five weeks, but Rich said the Lions did not hold any grudges. Dan McStay was named to return to defence alongside Darcy Gardiner.

“It’s out of our control of players and there’s not really much we can do about it,” Rich said. “Our interest is in Harris and his well-being first and foremost.

“I’ve spoken to him a few times and he’s tracking along pretty well. He got some good news from the neurosurgeon and he’ll be reassessed in a couple of weeks. I think that’s the main thing.”

Brisbane have a six-day turnaround after the Fremantle game and face Carlton at the Gabba next week.