Daniel Rich’s 2013 NAB Cup campaign has certainly attracted the attention of the wider football community.

The 2009 AFL Rising Star produced the finest season of his young career in 2012, which culminated in him finishing Runner-Up in the Merrett-Murray Medal on Club Champion night.

But after leading the Lions to their first piece of AFL silverware in 10 years last Friday night, and winning the Michael Tuck Medal as best afield, Rich’s profile has soared even further.   

It has led people like former Club great and respected football commentator Robert Walls to suggest that he is destined for greatness.

“There’s no doubt (Rich) is on a path to becoming one of the very best midfielders in the competition,” Walls told SEN radio on Monday.  

“He’s become an inside midfielder. When he first came to Brisbane, he was a kid who won the NAB Rising Star playing out on the wing.”

“But he’s worked himself really hard. He’s trained the house down the last two summers.”

“He’s become super fit, and you watch his follow-up work from one contest to the next – he just gets on his bike and he gets there.”

“He can win the ball in close, his disposal is so good, and he’s got a thumping long left-foot kick.”

Rich was also recently recognised with his first ever appearance in Mike Sheahan’s much publicised Top 50.

Rich was listed at number 43 in Sheahan’s prediction on those players set to have the most impact in 2013.

He was also the only Lions player to appear on the list.