Lachie Neale's Grand Final Hopes Rise as Jarrod Berry Faces Uphill Battle
Brisbane Lions star Lachie Neale has significantly increased his chances of playing in the AFL Grand Final after a promising training session. However, teammate Jarrod Berry faces a more uncertain path due to a shoulder injury. Meanwhile, Hawthorn's Mabior Chol had his suspension overturned at the AFL tribunal.
Neale's Miracle Recovery Bid
Neale, initially ruled out for the season with a calf injury sustained in the qualifying final against Geelong, has defied expectations with a rapid recovery. He completed a substantial training session, including running laps and participating in change-of-direction drills. While he didn't run at full speed, coach Chris Fagan indicated that the medical and fitness staff were impressed. Neale himself feels he has "ticked every box" to be ready for selection.
Neale has spent time in a hyperbaric chamber and dedicated himself to rehabilitation, completing an 8km session with high-speed elements. His fate now rests with Fagan and the coaching staff who will make the final call after further assessment.
Berry's Shoulder Concern
Jarrod Berry's situation appears more challenging. He dislocated his shoulder against Collingwood and was limited to light, non-contact work at training. While Berry has expressed a desire to play, even suggesting he would skip a scan, Fagan has described his chances as a "long shot". Berry joked that he has been receiving massages from teammate Oscar McInerney.
McInerney Ready for Action
Oscar McInerney, who missed the Lions' 2023 grand final due to a shoulder injury, is fit and ready to play. He expressed confidence in the club's medical department to make the right decisions regarding Neale and Berry. He also downplayed his own potential "fairytale" return, focusing on the team's opportunity to compete for the premiership. McInerney stated the hunger to play in the grand final is the same as in past years.
Chol's Tribunal Victory
Hawthorn's Mabior Chol was cleared of rough conduct by the AFL tribunal for the tackle that concussed Geelong ace Tom Stewart. The tribunal dismissed the proposed three-game ban after a 100-minute hearing. The AFL had argued that Chol failed in his duty of care, while Chol's counsel described the incident as a "footballing accident". The tribunal cited the involvement of another tackle by Sam Butler as a contributing factor in the outcome.
Five-time All Australian defender Tom Stewart will miss the grand final after entering the league’s 12-day concussion protocols.
Breust in Line for Richmond Role
Richmond are in discussions with retired Hawthorn champion Luke Breust to take on a development role with the club. Breust suffered an ACL injury in his final match but is a highly regarded figure in the game. He kicked 553 goals in his career. He will work with the Tigers’ young talent. Breust was coached by Richmond senior coach Adem Yze when Yze was an assistant at the Hawks.
