Brisbane Lions veterans Daniel Rich and Jack Gunston have reportedly stood down from AFL selection indefinitely, after approaching senior coach Chris Fagan on Monday to state that their form didn't justify selection.
Brisbane, despite sitting inside the AFL's top four, is reeling from a shock loss at the hands of Hawthorn last weekend, during which a number of Lions didn't perform at standard.
News of Rich and Gunston's stepping down was first reported byย Ten News First's Josh McLean, who added that, at this stage, they won't participate in VFL action, either.
Huge news out of the @brisbanelions this morning, veterans Daniel Rich and Jack Gunston stepping themselves down indefinitely due to concerns they feel theyโre not up to playing @AFL footy. They wonโt play in the VFL at this stage. More tonight on @10NewsFirst @10NewsFirstQLD
— Josh Mclean (@McJoshmclean) June 14, 2023
Fox Footy's David Zita later reported Fagan's confirmation that the duo won't play "for a little while".
Daniel Rich and Jack Gunston spoke to Chris Fagan on Monday about their recent performances.
They were not happy with their form and said it didn't warrant selection.
They will not play "for a little while", Chris Fagan has confirmed.
More soon @FOXFOOTY
— David Zita (@DavidZita1) June 14, 2023
This morning's news comes less than a day after North Melbourne legend and Fox Footyย analyst David King lambasted Rich's recent play onย AFL 360 on Wednesday evening.
"You're just not good enough at the moment to be in our 22. I think the Brisbane Lions have the same call to make and it's about one of their stalwarts who's been absolutely terrific - and it's Daniel Rich," started King.
"He's played 275-odd games of footy, he's 33 years of age, but he's now getting taken advantage of because of his lack of speed. And teams are setting up knowing exactly what luxuries it provides.
"Offensively he's been involved in 18 scores in seven weeks; he's four intercepts a week. If you (looking at Gerard Whateley) stand out there you could get two. That's just not paying the bills. 75 percent of his footy is uncontested.
"Speed cures everything, and a lack of speed causes problems everywhere. You can't correct; I'm tracking forward to a big game, where a coach says, put him in this position as often as you can. And it may only work three times for the game, but it'll be three goals.
"They can't afford to carry this type of player, this type of issue, into a big game. They've got to make a call - I'm not saying it's tomorrow, and maybe the first call's to the player and say hey, this is on the table for everyone to see and you've got a problem you've got to sort out."
As it turns out, the call was made the next day -- however, it was made by Rich (and Gunston), not by Fagan.
It is currently unknown when Rich and Gunston will next be in Brisbane's selection frame.
After already undergoing its bye in Round 12 before falling to the Hawks last weekend, Brisbane is currently preparing to play the Sydney Swans at The Gabba on Friday night.
