Brisbane co-captain Lachie Neale has revealed the nerves behind his remarkable return from a calf injury that was expected to sideline him for the season.
Just over three weeks after hobbling out of the qualifying final against Geelong, Neale came off the bench to help seal the Lions’ back-to-back premiership triumph at the MCG.
The 32-year-old was eased in as the sub, but he made an instant impact when introduced after half-time, gathering 17 disposals, winning seven clearances and slotting a stunning 50-metre goal that swung momentum Brisbane’s way.
“The most nervous I’ve ever been”
Speaking to Channel 7 after the final siren, Neale admitted the wait to enter the game had been almost unbearable. “I felt like a bit of a supporter in the first half. 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,” he said.
He added: “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.”
His return capped a storybook finish to a campaign that looked over less than a month ago, as Brisbane outclassed the Cats by 47 points to secure another flag.