Brisbane Lions superstar Lachie Neale is doing everything possible to defy the odds and stage an extraordinary return from injury in time for the AFL grand final. While many thought his season had ended after suffering a calf injury, the two-time Brownlow Medalist has embarked on an intensive recovery program to keep his premiership dream alive.
Neale, who limped off the field late in Brisbane’s qualifying final defeat to Geelong, missed his side’s dominant 53-point semi-final win over the Gold Coast Suns. He has also been ruled out of the upcoming preliminary final clash against Collingwood. Yet, should the Lions advance to a third consecutive grand final, the veteran midfielder insists there is still hope he could feature on the game’s biggest stage.
Speaking to Fox Footy, Neale revealed just how determined he is to give himself a shot at returning. “I’m giving myself a 50 per cent chance,” Neale said. “But I think the physios and the doctors and the rest of the medical fraternity are giving me about a one per cent chance. I spoke about it this afternoon. I think in 20 years’ time I’d be kicking myself if I didn’t try everything in my power to get up for it. If the dominoes fall my way and that one per cent does come through, then it would be an amazing story.”
A Battle Against the Odds
For most observers, Neale’s injury initially looked season-ending. Even Lions defender Ryan Lester admitted he thought the worst. But he has been surprised by his teammate’s relentless approach to rehabilitation. “He’s as mentally tough as they come, so I’m definitely not ruling him out,” Lester told SEN on Sunday.
“I thought it was all over for him, but I didn’t actually realise he was doing the hyperbaric chamber stuff and saunas and all this recovery stuff that he’s been doing this week away from the club. I actually saw him this morning — I had my son’s fifth birthday party and he was there — he was pretty positive about how he’s tracking. All he’s going to do is give himself a shot, and obviously we’ve got to win this weekend to give him any chance. But he’s certainly a chance, that’s for sure.”
Neale’s refusal to accept defeat has lifted spirits within the Lions’ camp. Brisbane’s medical staff may be far more skeptical, but the player himself is determined not to leave any stone unturned. His use of unconventional recovery methods, including hyperbaric chamber sessions and sauna treatments, shows just how desperate he is to make a fairytale comeback.
Lions Surging Without Their Star
While Neale’s presence was sorely missed in midfield, the Lions delivered a commanding performance against the Suns, proving their depth in the engine room. Will Ashcroft, Josh Dunkley, and Hugh McCluggage stepped up in spectacular fashion, ensuring Brisbane did not miss a beat. Dunkley, in particular, was immense, setting a finals record with 18 tackles to go along with 20 disposals and four clearances.
Lester, a 33-year-old stalwart who has been through Brisbane’s highs and lows, did not hesitate to hail Dunkley’s impact. “We’ve had Lachie Neale, Charlie Cameron, Joe Daniher ... but I believe Dunks is our best recruit we’ve ever had,” he said.
“You can get a big-name player, but his first priority is defence and contest. That’s not to say that the other boys don’t buy into that, but certainly their weapons are more offensive. For him to do that it becomes infectious within the team. He’s an amazing player and one of the greatest teammates you could possibly ask for.”
The Road Ahead
Brisbane now faces Collingwood in a blockbuster preliminary final. Victory would secure their place in a third straight grand final, but this time the Lions are determined to go one better than last season’s runner-up finish. The reigning premiers are already riding high after dismantling the Suns, and the prospect of Neale’s potential return has injected even more belief into the squad.
For Neale, the timeline is brutal. He has only a narrow window to recover from a calf strain that typically sidelines players for weeks. Yet, his mental toughness and competitive fire mean he is prepared to attempt what many consider impossible. His willingness to push his body to the limit epitomizes the spirit of finals football.
The Bigger Picture
If Neale does make it back, his return would not only be a massive morale boost for Brisbane but also one of the most inspiring stories of the season. Injuries have derailed countless campaigns, but Neale’s insistence on fighting until the very end speaks volumes about his character and leadership.
Even if he doesn’t feature in the grand final, his determination has already set the tone for his teammates. Brisbane’s midfield brigade has shown it can step up without him, while Neale’s recovery efforts have served as a reminder of the sacrifices players are willing to make for premiership glory.
In the end, it will come down to whether Brisbane can first get past Collingwood, and then whether Neale’s body can hold up to the demands of the biggest game of the year. For now, though, the possibility remains tantalizing.
As Lester summed up, the dream is alive: “He’s certainly a chance, that’s for sure.”
