Lachie Neale, the Brownlow medallist and Brisbane’s dashing midfielder, was unlikely to start for the Lions in the AFL decider against Geelong. Looks like those fitness fears from the start aren’t stopping him! Neale was originally ruled out for the year with a calf injury he incurred on September 5. In a stunning reversal of expectations, his recovery became something of a miracle. Just over a month on from that call, he’ll take the place of Jarrod Berry, who is out with a shoulder injury.
Neale’s calf injury was classified as at least a four-week setback, leading him to give himself only a one percent chance of playing again this season. It was cruelly cut short after he sustained a quad injury against Collingwood in Round 22. That left him able to appear in just one game over the past 56 days. Through all of these obstacles, Brisbane’s coaching staff had decided that he was healthy enough to play in the championship game.
On Tuesday morning, Neale participated fully in training in front of thousands of fans in Springfield, showcasing his determination and readiness. His match-winning performance in last year’s grand final, where he logged 35 disposals, should confirm his status as the team’s rock. Even his biggest supporters aren’t sure he can get the job done at the necessary level on the other end of Geelong’s elite midfield.
Former Port Adelaide champion Kane Cornes expressed grave doubts over Neale’s inclusion, labelling it “the largest grand final selection chance we’ve seen.” He raised serious concerns about how the decision was made. How in the world could Neale be featured when he’d already been ruled out for the season?
“The biggest grand final selection risk we’ve ever seen, I don’t know what’s changed when they ruled him out for the year.” – Kane Cornes
Former player and current analyst Luke Hodge was equally scathing. He made the same point in urging Brisbane to check their depth. He recommended that the time be used to sign veteran players who could cover for players injured last season. Hodge said if he was coaching Geelong, he would target Neale’s weaknesses as he returns from his injury layoff.
“If I was Geelong, I would attack him.” – Luke Hodge
He went into detail about Neale’s fitness concerns. He reiterated the need to evaluate if Neale is ready for the physical load of an entire match after such a long absence from competitive action. That’s why Hodge advised that Neale start as a sub – it was too big of a risk.
“I believe he should be as a sub. With one game in 56 days, it’s a massive risk.” – Luke Hodge
It wasn’t just fans though, as some other analysts raised eyebrows at Neale’s uncharacteristically poor showing against Geelong earlier in the season. Observers noted that while Neale managed 32 disposals in that match, he struggled to make an impact when not at full fitness.
“My concerns were because we saw him in that Geelong game when he wasn’t fit and he wasn’t at his absolute best.” – Wilson
The excitement of Neale’s return is ground-shaking among Lions fans. His composure under duress has made him one of the shiftiest ball-handlers in the league. Yet the continued discourse over the commentators shows just how unclear he was with respect to being prepared for the big final.
Brisbane prepares for their finals clash with Geelong. Our clubs have to consider Neale’s clear-cut talent against the likely opportunity costs of immediately inserting him to the regular season rotation. This team has shown they’re not afraid to overcome any obstacle all season long, and they’ll do everything possible to steal an advantage.
