Racing
League
Rugby
Cricket
Golf
Motorsport
Combat Sports
Football
Netball
Basketball
Other Sports
Sport Nation
Brisbane set to play injured co-captain in selection shock
SEN • September 23rd, 2025 9:31 pm
Brisbane is set to make a major call ahead of the 2025 AFL Grand Final, opting to select injured co-captain Lachie Neale.
Just three weeks ago, Neale was ruled out for the remainder of the season, tearing his calf within the Lions’ Qualifying Final loss to Geelong.
However, Neale continued to give himself every chance of featuring within Brisbane’s remaining fixtures, and according to Caroline Wilson, the Lions will select Neale off the back of a strong block of training.
“I can tell you that Lachie Neale, the co-captain and dual Brownlow Medallist, will play on Grand Final day,” Wilson told The Agenda Setters.
“This is despite the fact that he injured his calf in the Qualifying Final against Geelong and was declared out for five to six weeks.
“Lachie himself gave him a one per cent chance of playing, but that has all changed this week. In fact, I’m told there was a school of thought that even considered Lachie playing last week in the Preliminary Final.
“He’s done a lot of work; he’s gone over and above. He’s still having light training sessions, not moving quite as well as you would hope, but Brisbane will play him - they believe that he will be alright.
“The only question now is whether he will start as the sub or start in the 22. This will be his second game in 56 days. It’s a massive call.
“He will replace Jarrod Berry in the 22, who injured his shoulder against Collingwood, in the selected team from last week.”
The dual Brownlow Medallist will feature in his third Grand Final, leading the Lions to back-to-back Grand Final appearances.
