Star Lion’s warning: I’m feeling at my best
BRISBANE star Lachie Neale has dismissed any injury concerns ahead of the finals series as the Lions prepare to go “full steam ahead” this weekend in a bid to book a top-four spot.
Neale has missed seven games this year through injury or illness in what has been his most interrupted season since arriving in Brisbane.
The 28-year-old has had ankle surgery, been hampered by shoulder and back issues and was forced to sit out the Round 21 Fremantle clash due to a bout of gastro.
Ahead of this weekend’s final round of the regular season, the reigning Brownlow Medallist said he had finally returned to his near-best form just in time for finals footy.
“I feel pretty good,” Neale said. “I’ve got a couple of little niggles that I’ll sort out at the end of the year and get right but I’m feeling the best that I’ve felt all season right at this point. My movement on the weekend was the best it’s been this year.
“I’ve had a few interruptions but I can’t control them so I’m working really hard to get my body right, behind the scenes. I’m in a great spot heading into the last round. It has been a little frustrating but that’s footy.”
Brisbane will be hoping Neale plays to his Brownlow Medal-winning form on Saturday
when the Lions take on West Coast at the Gabba in the final round.
The Eagles are coming off a disappointing derby loss to Fremantle and this weekend becomes a must-win game for them to finish in the top eight.
Meanwhile, the Lions can jump to fourth spot if Port Adelaide defeats the Bulldogs on Friday night but also risk dropping to as low as sixth if results don’t go their way.
Neale said he doubted any changes would be made to the side even if the Bulldogs do win the night before their game.
“We’re building to a pretty important time of the year so we want to hit finals with a bit of form,” he said.
“I doubt we will rest anyone (if Bulldogs win).
“I’m not in match committee so I probably can’t answer that too much.
“From the message that the coaches have said, we’re trying to prime ourselves for finals and we don’t have that week off so we’ll be rolling straight into it.
“I would have thought we’d be going full steam ahead this weekend and trying to get the best result possible.”