Brisbane Lions superstar and two-time Brownlow Medallist Lachie Neale is reportedly set to return to the Lions line-up for this Saturday’s Grand Final.
Neale’s season was all but over after his club’s Qualifying Final loss to Geelong two and a half weeks ago after injuring his calf late in the game.
But as the Lions season continued to progress, Neale’s calf has continued to improve.
But could Brisbane’s co-captain start as a substitute?
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“I believe he will be right,” Caroline Wilson reported on Channel seven’s Agenda Setters.
“The only question now is whether he starts as a sub, or whether he starts in the 22.”
Neale will reportedly replace fellow premiership Lion Jarrod Berry after his shoulder injury against Collingwood last week, but where Neale lines up is yet to be determined.
Incredibly, this would not be the first time Neale has been a substitute in a Grand Final.
He was named the starting sub in the 2013 Grand Final whilst playing for Fremantle.
Funnily enough, Neale has not started a game as a substitute since.
This weekend's game will be only his second in the last 56 days, raising serious concerns about his match fitness and the risk of re-injury.
As bizarre as it sounds to have a two-time Brownlow medallist starting the match as a substitute, it may be the best way to prevent a repeat injury for Neale.
Hopefully, it doesn't end in the same way as 2013.