Despite becoming just the 16th player in V/AFL history to become a dual-Brownlow medallist, Brisbane superstar Lachie Neale says a premiership is the only thing on his mind.
Neale’s Lions face Collingwood in the big dance on Saturday, with Brisbane looking to win their first flag since 2003.
“At the moment, I’m picturing Harris (Andrews) holding up the cup with Fages (coach Chris Fagan) at the end of it,” Neale said in his Brownlow acceptance speech on 7.
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”I’m just very fortunate and privileged to be in this position, to play off in the last game of the year with my teammates who I love and respect so much. Hopefully we can go out there and put on a good show.
“It’s a great place to be (in Brisbane), rather than in Melbourne. To be in Brisbane preparing for a Grand Final is amazing.
“We’re so excited about what’s to come this week, not only Saturday, but the build up of the game.”
Neale, who finished the count on 31 votes, beating out Western Bulldogs star Marcus Bontempelli (29 votes) in the last round, says the journey to the grand final hasn’t been easy.
But the 30-year-old says Lions coach Chris Fagan has made it an enjoyable ride, becoming a “father figure”
“He’s been a father figure for me, someone to lean on, not only with footy but life in general. We speak weekly on all things,” Neale said.
“He’s a great person, we’re very lucky to have him as our coach and the club’s very lucky to have him involved.
“Can’t thanks Fages enough for the trust he puts in me .. he backs me in 100 per cent every single week, even when I frustrate him at times.”
The last time Neale was part of the final Saturday in September was with Fremantle in 2013, as the substitute, when they went down to the Hawks.
“I haven’t been involved in this week in a decade,” Neale said.
“It was my second season and I probably thought those opportunities (to play in a grand final) were going to roll around every year or two and they haven’t.
“For me now, I just recognise and appreciate the opportunity that’s in front of me and the team.
“I’m going to savour every second of this week and every second that I’m on the hallowed turf of the MCG on Saturday afternoon, because who knows when we might get that opportunity again.”
As for the possibility of winning the flag, Neale was asked where he, as co-captain of the Lions, may find himself if Brisbane are to be presented with the premiership cup come Saturday.
“I’ll just stand behind him (Harris Andrews),” he joked.
Neale took out the Brownlow on 31 votes, with Bontempelli (29), Nick Daicos (Collingwood – 28), Errol Gulden (Sydney – 27) and Zak Butters (Port Adelaide – 27) rounding out the top five.
The Lions face Collingwood in the grand final on Saturday.
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Hasibur Rahaman is a passionate sports journalist. He covers everything from cricket to field hockey, delivering up-to-the-minute updates and in-depth analysis of sporting events, both within India and on the international stage.
