Brisbane Lions midfielder Lachie Neale has set his sights on a potential return for the AFL grand final, should the Lions emerge victorious against Collingwood in the preliminary final. Neale, who suffered a calf injury during Brisbane’s qualifying final against Geelong, described his chances of participating in the season decider as “50 percent,” despite medical staff estimating it closer to just “one percent.”
Injury Update and Recovery Efforts
The two-time Brownlow Medal winner missed Brisbane’s emphatic 53-point victory over local rivals Gold Coast in the semi-final, and he will also sit out the crucial match against Collingwood on September 30, 2023. However, Neale’s determination to return has sparked hope among fans and teammates alike. He has been actively engaging in recovery treatments, including sessions in a hyperbaric chamber and saunas, to expedite his rehabilitation.
Teammate Ryan Lester expressed his belief in Neale’s resilience, stating, “He’s as mentally tough as they come, so I’m definitely not ruling him out.” Lester recounted a recent encounter with Neale, saying, “He was pretty positive about how he’s tracking.” With Brisbane’s strong performance without Neale, the team aims to keep the dream of a third consecutive grand final alive.
Neale’s Optimism and Future Aspirations
Despite the medical team’s cautious outlook, Neale remains optimistic. “I’m giving myself a 50 percent chance,” he told Fox Footy. “But I think the physios and the doctors…are giving me about a one percent chance.” Neale acknowledged that he would regret not making every effort to participate in the grand final if the opportunity arises. “If the dominoes fall my way and that one percent does come through, then it would be an amazing story,” he added.
The Lions will face Collingwood with the hope of advancing to the grand final, where Neale’s comeback could become a reality. With Neale’s positive mindset and the team’s momentum, supporters are holding onto the possibility of a fairy-tale ending to the season.
