Lion king Neale downplays chances of a third Brownlow

Lachie Neale reckons he's in career-best form but the Brisbane ace is downplaying his prospects of winning a third Brownlow medal.

Neale enters the Lions' elimination final against Carlton on Saturday night in yet another purple-patch of his stellar career.

The co-captain collected a season-high 40 disposals in his last game, against Essendon, and has recently added another string to his bow by becoming a frequent goalkicker.

Can Lachie Neale lead the Lions to a flag this year?

Neale has scored 10.2 in his past eight games after only three goals before that in the season.

The 31-year-old's 13 goals this season is his most since 2020 and nears his career-high of 16 majors in 2015 when at Fremantle.

"It has probably just evolved a little bit that way, even last year I probably had shots, I was just missing them," Neale said.

"I have just been able to make the most of my opportunities.

"I feel like my game is in good order, I'm reading the game a little bit better than maybe I was in the first half of the year and getting into better and more dangerous spots.

"It is probably more my finishing, to be honest, that has been a strength of mine this year."

Neale kicked 3.11 last season when he claimed the Brownlow for a second time after his 2020 win.

Neale
Neale says improved accuracy is behind his recent rise as a goalkicker.

His increased scoring output has been noted by retired Lions great Simon Black.

"It's been great the way he's added that to his game ... he's getting in positions to make it happen," Black told AAP.

"It's really clever and great to watch and extra valuable, he is primed to have a massive month."

Neale believes Carlton captain Patrick Cripps, Collingwood's Nick Daicos and Western Bulldogs skipper Marcus Bontempelli will be vying for this year's Brownlow.

Neale, who earnt his fourth All Australian blazer this season, said his improved form mirrored that of his team - the Lions have won 10 of their past 12 games entering the finals.

"I feel like I have been building similar to the team for the back half of the year," he said.

"I didn't have much of a pre-season, didn't really do anything in the off-season after some surgery, so the first few games I was sort of finding my legs.

"My form has correlated with the team a little bit and I honestly feel like I am playing some of the best footy of my career.

"So I'm confident in what I can do and hopefully I can go out and deliver and play my role for the team.

"Whether that's a big game stats-wise, it doesn't matter ... it's about playing my role and I feel confident that I am able to do that with the way I am performing at the moment."

License this article

What is AAPNews?

For the first time, Australian Associated Press is delivering news straight to the consumer.

No ads. No spin. News straight-up.

Not only do you get to enjoy high-quality news delivered straight to your desktop or device, you do so in the knowledge you are supporting media diversity in Australia.

AAP Is Australia’s only independent newswire service, free from political and commercial influence, producing fact-based public interest journalism across a range of topics including politics, courts, sport, finance and entertainment.

What is AAPNews?
The Morning Wire

Wake up to AAPNews’ morning news bulletin delivered straight to your inbox or mobile device, bringing you up to speed with all that has happened overnight at home and abroad, as well as setting you up what the day has in store.

AAPNews Morning Wire
AAPNews Breaking News
Breaking News

Be the first to know when major breaking news happens.


Notifications will be sent to your device whenever a big story breaks, ensuring you are never in the dark when the talking points happen.

Focused Content

Enjoy the best of AAP’s specialised Topics in Focus. AAP has reporters dedicated to bringing you hard news and feature content across a range of specialised topics including Environment, Agriculture, Future Economies, Arts and Refugee Issues.

AAPNews Focussed Content
Subscription Plans

Choose the plan that best fits your needs. AAPNews offers two basic subscriptions, all billed monthly.

Once you sign up, you will have seven days to test out the service before being billed.

AAPNews Full Access Plan
Full Access
AU$10
  • Enjoy all that AAPNews has to offer
  • Access to breaking news notifications and bulletins
  • Includes access to all AAPNews’ specialised topics
Join Now
AAPNews Student Access Plan
Student Access
AU$5
  • Gain access via a verified student email account
  • Enjoy all the benefits of the ‘Full Access’ plan at a reduced rate
  • Subscription renews each month
Join Now
AAPNews Annual Access Plan
Annual Access
AU$99
  • All the benefits of the 'Full Access' subscription at a discounted rate
  • Subscription automatically renews after 12 months
Join Now

AAPNews also offers enterprise deals for businesses so you can provide an AAPNews account for your team, organisation or customers. Click here to contact AAP to sign-up your business today.

SEVEN DAYS FREE
Download the app
Download AAPNews on the App StoreDownload AAPNews on the Google Play Store