Search

show me:

Neale calm ahead of Lions' date with Pies

3 minute read

Lachie Neale is keeping things in perspective ahead of the Lions' much-hyped Easter Thursday meeting with Collingwood at a sold-out Gabba.

LACHIE NEALE of the Dockers looks to pass the ball during the AFL match between the Fremantle Dockers and the Port Adelaide Power at OS in Perth, Australia.
LACHIE NEALE of the Dockers looks to pass the ball during the AFL match between the Fremantle Dockers and the Port Adelaide Power at OS in Perth, Australia. Picture: Paul Kane/Getty Images

Lachie Neale is sure a battle with the best midfield in the AFL will keep Brisbane on task as they prepare to play in front of a sold-out home crowd for the first time in nine years.

The Lions' (3-1) clash with Collingwood (2-2) will see the return of last year's captain Dayne Beams, who is set to play after missing last round with a migraine.

Fans have responded to the Lions' encouraging start and entertaining style, with the Easter Thursday clash likely to be their first sell-out since 2010.

An MCG loss to Essendon last weekend dampened things a little, but newcomer Neale says the side's focus is in the right place.

"I don't know if winning three games of footy can make someone or a team get ahead of themselves," he said.

"Guys aren't getting complacent at this stage of the season.

"They've played in front of big, loud noisy crowds, it'll just be nice that this week they'll be cheering for us."

Neale has registered an AFL-best 155 disposals across the first month of the season since joining the club from Fremantle.

He will have his work cut out at the Gabba against a Collingwood engine room already featuring Scott Pendlebury, Steele Sidebottom, Adam Treloar and Taylor Adams, with Beams only bolstering that.

"There's some absolute weapons in there," he said.

"On paper the best midfield in the comp so that's exciting for our guys to come up against them."

What’s gambling really costing you?

For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit www.gamblinghelponline.org.au