Lions future an ‘easy’ call for humble Neale

Lachie Neale has palmed off comparisons with some of the game’s greats and declared his family’s love for Brisbane after winning a second Brownlow Medal.

Speaking the morning after a win he admits surprised him, the Lions midfielder dismissed talk of a Fremantle return in late 2021 as “a conversation that got a little bit out of hand”.

The 30-year-old and wife Jules had their first child barely a month later, Neale then signed a three-year contract extension tying him to the Lions until at least 2026.

“Yes, and the decision wasn’t that hard,” Neale said ahead of Brisbane’s grand final against Collingwood on Saturday.

“I had a conversation that got a little bit out of hand, but I’ve loved all my five years at the club.

“We were always planning on staying. I’m very happy, love this footy club and the people involved.

“Jules loves Brisbane now as well; calls it home, which is awesome.”

He is the 16th player to claim multiple Brownlow Medals, joining the likes of Chris Judd, Gary Ablett Jnr, Adam Goodes, Peter Moore and Robert Harvey as a two-time winner.

Should Brisbane win at the MCG he would be the seventh player to clinch the Brownlow-premiership double, former Lions Jason Akermanis and Simon Black managing the feat in 2001 and 2002.

“I don’t think I’m in that company,” Neale deflected.

“I’m very lucky and fortunate to have my name amongst them with this award, but I don’t see myself with those guys in terms of status in the game.

“They’re Hall-of-Famers, all those guys. I don’t really see myself amongst that echelon of player.”