Lions ruckman Oscar McInerney has hailed the form of teammate Lachie Neale as Brisbane’s top-four hopes go on the line in the final two rounds of the regular season.
Currently in fifth spot on the AFL ladder but on the same points as third-placed Melbourne and fourth-placed Sydney, the Lions can guarantee themselves a top-four berth by beating St Kilda and the Demons in the next fortnight.
It’s a task easier said the done, but the form of star midfielder Neale will aid Brisbane’s top-four bid.
He was superb in the Lions’ weekend win over Carlton, with an all-round effort of 32 disposals, nine clearances and one goal moving him alongside Gold Coast Suns star Touk Miller at the top of the AFL Coaches Association’s MVP award.
Neale is also favored to win a second Brownlow Medal, having won the award for the first time in 2020.
“He’s gone up a level,” McInerney said in comparing Neale’s form from two years ago to now.
“We couldn’t be proud of that. He’s a phenomenal player.
“He’s the last guy out on the track, he’s always working on his touch, (doing) weights, he’s getting stronger, he’s fitter, he’s an incredible athlete, he’s got an incredible mindset… that’s a great role model for all our young players coming through.”
McInerney’s own form has been good but he is playing his performances down, claiming he just wants to keep things “nice and simple” for the likes on Neale and other Brisbane teammates.
“As long as I’m just jumping hard and creating a contest, we’ve got so many magical players like Lachie at the feet, they just do the rest,” McInerney.
“He (Neale) is just so clean. He just doesn’t fumble but that comes from the work behind the scenes.”
The Lions are attempting on producing a four-quarter performance when they head to Marvel Stadium for Friday night’s clash against the Saints.
Despite beating the Blues by 33 points at the Gabba last Sunday, Brisbane had a 57-point three-quarter lead which Carlton at one stage reduced to less than three goals in the final term before the hosts steadied to seal the victory.
“We’re still improving at this time of year, and I think that’s a really valuable thing for our team,” McInerney said.
“Obviously we need to cement that and go for longer periods, but it’s really pleasing and positive signs that we’re able to continue to improve.”
The versatile Callum Ah Chee will miss Friday’s match due to the AFL’s concussion protocols.
Defender Marcus Adams also didn’t train with the Brisbane team on Tuesday as he recovers from a sternum injury he suffered against Carlton.
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