Lachie Neale’s commitment to Brisbane’s bid for a third consecutive AFL premiership has been questioned after the dual Brownlow medallist endured a subdued qualifying-final performance against Sydney.
The Lions were convincingly beaten by the Swans on Saturday, with Neale collecting just 18 disposals — his second-lowest return of the season — as well as only two clearances and six contested possessions.
His display prompted former AFL star Kane Cornes to argue that Neale was not fully committed to Brisbane’s premiership campaign, amid continuing speculation that he could leave the club for Collingwood at the end of the season.
“You have to say no,” Cornes said on The Agenda Setters when asked whether Neale was all-in with the Lions.
“Lachie’s touring Collingwood the day before a game during the year. Lachie, during the week, is ringing Collingwood, trying to work out what number he’s going to wear at the Pies next year.”
Neale’s future has remained a major talking point throughout the season. He is widely expected to join Collingwood as a free agent on a reported three-year deal, while his much-publicised marriage breakdown has also kept attention focused on his life away from football.
Brisbane coach Chris Fagan had defended Neale before the finals, saying the midfielder had managed to separate the pressures in his personal life from his performance on the field.
“He’s had a lot going on, and a lot of really uncomfortable and difficult stuff to deal with,” Fagan said. “He’s dealt with it incredibly well, and he seems to be one of those people that can compartmentalize his professional life as a footballer and what’s going on outside of that.”
Neale stood aside as Brisbane co-captain earlier in the season following the breakdown of his marriage, but produced an outstanding home-and-away campaign. He averaged about 30 disposals a game and was among the competition leaders for clearances and contested possessions.
Fagan also insisted that Neale and fellow free agent Zac Bailey continued to give the Lions their full effort despite the uncertainty over their futures.
“We know those blokes are going to give their best effort. We know that they’re team players,” Fagan said, adding that player movement had become “part and parcel of footy”.
Cornes, however, argued that Brisbane lacked the collective focus required to win a third successive flag, comparing the Lions unfavourably with Hawthorn’s physical commitment in their finals victory.
“You just cannot say the same about Brisbane,” he said. “And unless you’re all doing that, you’re not winning a third premiership in a row.”
Nick Riewoldt also said the attention surrounding Neale had become a distraction, with Brisbane now facing the prospect of their captain and midfield leader leaving after the finals.
“We’re three weeks away from the end of your Brisbane Lions career, and there’s an opportunity to end it on the highest of all highs,” Riewoldt said. “It has become a bit of a travelling circus when it concerns Lachie Neale.”
Cornes also criticised Cam Rayner after another disappointing performance, arguing that Brisbane had been too forgiving of the forward-midfielder’s inconsistency.
“I just think they need to be more demanding of Cam and they’ve let him get away with some faults for too long,” Cornes said.
The Lions must now regroup quickly if they are to keep their premiership defence alive, with Neale and the rest of Brisbane’s senior players under increased scrutiny after the defeat by Sydney.
