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📻 IMPORTANT AUCKLAND UPDATE 📻
“Fully confident”: Lachie Neale opens up on calf injury
Andrew Slevison • September 26th, 2025 11:12 am
Lachie Neale has opened up on his Grand Final preparations after overcoming a calf injury.
The Brisbane Lions star has been selected in the 23 for the season decider against Geelong at the MCG on Saturday despite injuring his calf just a few weeks ago.
Neale praised the Lions medical staff for helping him return to full fitness after he thought his season was over following the Qualifying Final loss to the Cats.
“A lot of help from the medical staff and a great plan,” Neale told SEN’s Fireball.
“I think I looked like a bit of a goose on Instagram when I put up a post saying I was done for the year. I might have to take that one down.
“It was probably a week after I was able to do a little bit more function-wise than what was expected. From there it progressed pretty quickly.”
The two-time Brownlow Medallist insists he has full confidence that he will be able to play a full game and impact positively for the Lions.
But he was unsure if he would start as the sub or not.
“Yes, I am very confident I can (play a full game). Whether I will or not, I’m not sure yet,” he added.
“Captain’s run (today) and then the team meeting after that we’ll probably find out more.”
So, how was Neale able to convince coach Chris Fagan?
“I don’t really know. I actually haven’t spoken to him all that much,” he continued.
“I spoke to him early in the week. He said I’ve just got to tick all the boxes and get through basically the three sessions (this week) because we had one on Monday as well. I was able to do that and then yesterday he said you’ll be in the 23.
“I’m not sure what that looks like in terms of the 22 or the sub yet, but I’m very thankful he’s given me the opportunity.”
Thursday’s training session at Ikon Park gave Neale full faith in his body, hitting top speed and doing absolutely everything to suggest he’s ready for the big stage.
“I think I hit my top speed for the year yesterday. I put myself through the wringer last weekend and then again yesterday because mentally you want to be really sure you can get through," he added.
“I’m very confident in my body. I feel like I know it pretty well, I’ve been playing for 14 years and I feel like I can contribute otherwise I would have done the same as Jarrod Berry and selflessly step aside like he has.
“I’m fully confident I can impact.”
Neale replaces Berry (dislocated shoulder) in the team to face the Cats from 2:30pm AEST on Saturday as the Lions chase back-to-back flags.
