Essendon will need to keep a close eye on Daniel Rich when the game gets underway against the Lions on Saturday night, according to Bombers champion Scott Lucas.

Rich was one of the Lions best when they beat the Bombers last year collecting 27 possessions, rebounding from the defensive 50 nine times, kicking the ball inside 50 seven times and also booting a goal of his own.

Lucas told the Friday Footy Panel Rich’s skill set makes his a dangerous player.

“The interesting one for Brisbane when they played last year was the dominance Rich had,” Lucas said.

“He ran around all day and was instrumental in their win last year.

“He’s the one player teams will look at to go to because of his elite kicking skills.

“Ball in hand he’s as dangerous as anyone.”

Lucas expects Rich to spend some time across half back meaning it could be left to one of the forward group to nullify his influence, with returning Bomber Ben Howlett a possible candidate.

“It’s quite possible he may play at half back to free himself up so therefore you would look to sacrifice one of your half forwards,” Lucas said.

“I’m not a fan of using [Orazio] Fantasia whose offensive scoring power has been really good but you might look at putting one of your midfielders to half forward to mind him. 

“It could be Howlett, he could do that role very easily.”