Critics have sharpened their knives over fullback Daniel Merrett replacing injured Brisbane Lions AFL captain Jonathan Brown in the forward line.

But Lions midfielder Daniel Rich reckons he can help silence them if he satisfies his harshest critic – himself.

Merrett has been lobbed down front in a bid to fill the void left by Brown (cheekbone) for the first two AFL rounds, starting with their opener against Melbourne at the MCG on Saturday.

It has raised eyebrows, with three-time Coleman Medallist Jason Dunstall describing the decision to move their best defender as “robbing Peter to pay Paul”.

However, Rich said it could pay big dividends – as long as he helped his midfield lift.

“He’s been going well, the big fella,” Rich said of Merrett on Wednesday.

“It’s going to be good to have a different mix up there without Browny.

“It just places more onus on us as midfielders to kick a few goals.”

And a brutally honest Rich admitted it was high time that he contributed.

Rich burst onto the AFL scene two years ago, claiming the Rising Star award.

Since then, Rich reckons he has had little to celebrate.

The low point came when his run of 59 consecutive games since his 2009 debut was snapped by a foot injury last season, sidelining him for six weeks.

Asked what he hoped to achieve in 2012, Rich said: “To step up from the last couple of years.

“My own personal expectations and goals haven’t been to where I want them and where the team needs them.

“I’m really looking forward to this season. There’s been a lot of focus on getting better as an individual over the pre-season.

“I’ve probably done a lot more than I have in previous years.

“Being able to do 85 to 90 per cent of the program definitely helps, being able to complete a lot of the sessions.

“Just doing it and enjoying it and having fun at the same time.”