Rich’s hard certainly work paid off after he finished Runner-Up in the Club’s Best and Fairest award.
Now the booming left-footer is hoping that the Lions’ high-altitude training camp in Arizona can help him make further gains in the lead-up to 2013.
Get all the latest news and videos from Lions' training camp in Arizona
Speaking from the North Arizona University (NAU) training facility in Flagstaff, Rich said there was a noticeable change in training conditions at high altitude.
“It definitely hits you a bit. You can feel it just walking around, and when you start running you definitely feel it a lot more,” Rich said.
“It’s going to be great, and will hopefully pay off in the coming months and years.”
“Obviously (my goals) are the same as everyone’s - to improve fitness, strength and speed. Spending a bit of time and bonding with the boys can never hurt as well.”
Training among Rich and his Lions teammates in Arizona this year is Melbourne Storm Rugby League star Cooper Cronk, who was given permission to train with the Club temporarily as part of his own personal development.
Cronk is highly respected for his supreme professionalism, and has proven a wonderful influence on his Lions counterparts already.
The Lions players have apparently also been teaching him a thing or two about AFL during their skills sessions.
“I’m enjoying it. The kicking goes alright, but I don’t know about the handpassing - I want to throw a spiral or a cut-out pass a couple of times there,” Cronk told LIONS TV.
“It’s a change of environment for me and different form of training, so hopefully both players get something out of it.”
