Neale trains well, strengthens push for grand final recall

2 hours ago 1

Brisbane star Lachie Neale has strengthened his push for a grand final recall, but teammate Jarrod Berry’s bid appears more problematic as the Lions prepare to head to Melbourne on Wednesday.

Neale, who has missed the past two games because of a torn calf, trained well for an hour at the Lions’ Springfield base on Tuesday.

He had been ruled out for the rest of the season when hurt in the qualifying final, the injury deemed to require a four-week recovery. However, Neale has spent time in a hyperbaric chamber, and has worked assiduously to give himself the opportunity for a miracle recovery.

Buoyed by about 2000 fans at training, Neale initially jogged laps before taking part in drills requiring a change of direction. He also completed kicking and ground-ball drills. However, the dual Brownlow Medallist did not run at full speed.

Berry dislocated his shoulder against Collingwood on Saturday, and was restricted to light work away from the main group. He completed a series of overhead marks and, like Neale, will need to prove he can do more at the Lions’ main training session on Thursday.

Lions ruckman Oscar McInerney said Neale and Berry were doing all they could to be as fit as possible to face the Cats.

“Those guys will look after themselves and do a really good job to give them the best opportunity,” McInerney said.

“As players, [the job is] to not look too far ahead and just do what we’ve got to do day-to-day to get there.”

Lions coach Chris Fagan said on Saturday that Neale’s potential selection was looking more positive than negative, but it will be a big call to make, and an early hiccup on Saturday risks increased strain on the bench.

Neale had 35 disposals in last year’s grand final, but the Lions have done well to progress without him over the past fortnight in wins over the Gold Coast and Collingwood, Will Ashcroft helping to fill the midfield void.

Jarrod Berry was helped from the field on Saturday night.

McInerney played in the Lions’ 2023 grand final loss to Collingwood, but was a heartbreak tale last year when ruled out of the grand final because of a shoulder dislocation.

He does not appear to be at full fitness, having dealt with injury issues this year, but says he is ready to have an impact on Saturday.

“It’s been a different year. It’s everyone’s dream to be part of this week so the hunger’s all the same,” he said.

“The body’s fine. We’ve got incredible medical staff to look after us and they put a plan together, and it’s paid off.”

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