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Neale sheds light on miraculous AFL Grand Final comeback
SEN • September 27th, 2025 7:50 pm
Brisbane co-captain Lachie Neale has opened up on his miraculous return as the Lions won back-to-back flags with their 47-point Grand Final win over Geelong at the MCG on Saturday.
Neale injured his calf in the Qualifying Final loss to the Cats just over three weeks ago, and with the injury typically taking 4-6 weeks to heal, it was initially believed that his season was done.
Somehow, the 32-year-old worked his way back in training and was able to convince Brisbane’s selectors that he was good to go.
While the Lions were cautious with their veteran star, starting him as the sub and injecting him into the contest at half-time, he made an immediate impact, kicking a rousing 50m goal late in the third term when the game was on the line to go with seven clearances and 17 disposals.
Even though it didn’t look like it out in the middle, Neale admits watching the first half was the most nervous he’s ever been as a footballer as the Cats and Lions entered the main break tied 36-36.
“I felt like a bit of a supporter in the first half,” Neale told Channel 7 post-match.
“I was riding all of the bumps. I was probably the most nervous I’ve ever been at half-time, knowing I was about to come on.
“It’s probably the most nervous I’ve ever been in a game of football with the scores tied and with limited prep.
“But it’s a little bit easier when everyone’s tired and you’re a little bit fresh.
“I felt like I covered the ground really well.”
