Regardless of where he plays next season, Brisbane midfielder Daniel Rich has the makings of a future AFL captain, according to Greater Western Sydney welfare manager Craig Lambert.

Lambert, who looked after Rich's wellbeing when he was drafted to the Lions in 2008, had no involvement in GWS's recruitment strategy and no influence on which players they would target for the 2012 AFL season.

However if he did, you suspect Rich would be on the list.

"He's got all the qualities that the great leaders have," Lambert said.

"He's humble, he's probably not the most vocal in a lot of ways but, when he talks, everyone listens.

"His actions speak louder than words. He's got great leadership qualities. A lot of Brisbane's younger players coming through have good leadership qualities.

"He's got beautiful (AFL) skills, but he's just a terrific kid, unbelievably respectful to the organisation and respectful to coaches - a class act."

Rich, 20, is in contract negotiations with the Lions and his future is the subject of much speculation, with West Coast and GWS reportedly keen to lure him away from Brisbane.

Lambert left the Lions following the 2010 season after 10 years with the club as an assistant coach and then welfare manager.

The off-field support of Lambert and wife Melissa at the Lions was immense, with many of the club's draftees living with their family.

Lambert formed key bonds and remained in contact with many of Brisbane's players, including Rich.

"I speak to a few of the boys but, of course, it's pretty busy, they're busy and so am I," he said.

"Once a month, you like to stay in contact, whether it's by phone call or text, just to see how they're travelling."

Lambert's focus was on the Giants' youngsters, whose maturity had made an impression.

"To see how composed they are, I reckon there was no chance I could have done what they're doing at age 17 or 18," he said.

"Any kid that comes away from their parents, at stages they all have a certain amount of homesickness from time to time.

"The great thing I've found about this group is that most of them are very open and they're willing to talk about it.

"Sometimes you have kids that want to keep it to themselves and that is the hardest thing to cure when they won't tell anyone."

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