AFL 2025: Brisbane coach Chris Fagan says there’s ‘no risk’ in playing star Lachie Neale

Brisbane is adamant there is no risk in playing Lachie Neale, but coach Chris Fagan isn’t willing to rule the “spirit lifter” and star midfielder out of starting as substitute.

Neale completed a miraculous recovery from straining his calf in the qualifying final against grand final opponent Geelong a fortnight ago but will remain under a cloud of speculation until the final siren.

The dual Brownlow Medallist used a hyperbaric chamber to accelerate his rehab and got through the Lions’ main training sessions unscathed.

Fagan says he would be classified as “mad” if he overlooked Neale despite the concerns around his calf and playing just one match in seven weeks.

“We wouldn’t play him if there was a risk,” Fagan said.

“(Neale) trained heavily on the weekend and he’s done both training sessions this week. If you watched him train, you’d be mad not to pick him.

“The medical people have ticked him off, so (picking him is) what we’re doing.

“I am not going to talk about the line-ups. They come out an hour before the game and we’ll leave it until then.”

Neale put himself “through the wringer” during his running session last weekend and has gained further confidence after hitting a personal record on Thursday.

“It’s a big part of it I think, but I think I hit my top speed of the year yesterday,” he told SEN.

“I sort of put myself through the wringer last weekend and then yesterday again. I am very confident in my body. I am fully confident I can impact.”

Neale’s co-captain, Harris Andrews, fronted the media alongside Fagan on Friday morning.

Andrews says Neale’s quest to get back and play is an inspiration to his teammates and expects him to have an impact on the all-important midfield battle.

‘It’s obviously massive, he’s been a huge part of our team for the last six or seven years,” he said.

“He’s an unbelievable footballer and I think a real spirit lifter within our group.

“To see how hard he’s worked since that qualifying final and get back and play has been inspirational, and we’ll certainly be leaning on him to come in and have an impact.”

Geelong captain Patrick Dangerfield says there’s “definitely” temptation to test Neale and his calf out but admits the Cats need to be mindful of underestimating the decorated Lion.

“Yeah definitely, but he’s a pretty good player … he’s won two Brownlows and multiple All Australians, best and fairests, the guy has done it all,” he said.

“We’re pretty respectful of how bloody good he is and even he didn’t complete the whole game last time, he finished with mid-30s.

“He’s an absolute star, we’re mindful of how good he can be – but it’s not just Lachie, it’s others as well obviously.

“Looking at the vision, he looked pretty good the other day. Our guys will have to be at our best inside the contest and outside of it.”