Lachie Neale wasn’t turned off the thought of turning into Brisbane’s skipper regardless of the management adjustments at half of the AFL’s golf equipment this 12 months.
The Brownlow Medallist was confirmed as Lions co-captain alongside fullback Harris Andrews on Wednesday, the pair taking on the publish held by Dayne Zorko for the final 5 years.
Neale and Andrews could not be cut up in a five-horse race that additionally included new vice-captain Hugh McCluggage and contenders Lincoln McCarthy and Josh Dunkley.
Coach Chris Fagan’s contract was additionally prolonged till 2025 in a present of religion as the previous Hawthorn staffer awaits an investigation into historic racism claims throughout his time at that membership.
Recruited from Fremantle, Neale mentioned he’d lean on his first skipper Matthew Pavlich and take elements of Nat Fyfe, David Mundy and Zorko’s types too.
Zorko, 34, was one in all 9 captains to relinquish their tasks this 12 months, whereas Dockers star Fyfe admitted he was “cooked” by the psychological and bodily toll of a troublesome 2022 after he too stood down.
But Neale mentioned he did not hesitate as soon as Zorko vacated the chair, adamant his efficiency will not be diminished by the obligation.
“No, I don’t think so and being a co-captain helps; Harris and Hugh as vice and the other leaders on the field, we spread the load well,” he mentioned.
“I don’t think it’ll take away anything from my performance. If anything it’ll enhance the way I play my footy.
“Maybe no more disposals or targets, however the best way I play my footy I believe goes to assist me and I’ll enhance.”
Neale was linked to a return to Western Australia before last season but has since signed a contract extension tying him to Brisbane until 2026.
“I’ve all the time beloved this membership since I stepped by way of the door,” he mentioned.
“I’ll be a Lion for all times for certain and to be etched into the historical past books as a captain of the membership, it is fairly uncomfortable given a few of the names which have performed it.”
Zorko is a Gold Coast product but Andrews is the first local talent to lead the team after graduating through Brisbane’s development system.
“It’s an superior alternative, to come back by way of the academy as an 18-year-old and set a little bit of an instance for ladies and boys in Brisbane and Queensland,” he mentioned.
“We’re all actually nice mates, work actually exhausting collectively and wish one of the best for one another. I’m actually excited for the place we are able to take this membership.”
The Lions introduced the appointments in type, the captaincy trio aboard a 26 metre tremendous yacht that docked in entrance of ready media on the Brisbane River.
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
