The novelty of taking part in on the MCG has Brisbane co-captain Lachie Neale thrilled in regards to the Lions’ conflict with Melbourne on the “home of footy” on Friday evening.
Since becoming a member of the Lions in 2019, Neale has solely performed seven matches on the MCG, six of which have led to defeat for Brisbane.
Friday’s match would be the final time the Lions play there in the course of the common season, which has Neale not solely wanting to take advantage of the chance but additionally assist to enhance Brisbane’s confidence of tasting success there ought to they once more go to the venue on this 12 months’s finals collection.
“Pretty much as soon as I woke up on Sunday (after the Lions’ win over West Coast on Saturday), I was looking forward to this weekend’s game,” Neale stated.
“It’s a great opportunity for us to get back to Melbourne and try to beat one of the best teams in the competition.
“We’re looking forward to the challenge. It’s going to be a great contest between two very good sites. I’m very excited to get to Melbourne and give it a crack.
“We don’t get many opportunities there, so we just want to try and make the most of getting there.
“As much as we love the Gabba, that’s our home, but that’s the home of footy, the MCG. I love playing there, and I know that the guys love getting there and giving it a go.”
Neale stated the Lions’ peculiar file on the MCG was deceiving due to their lack of possibilities to play there.
“It’s probably not so much about the ground,” he stated.
“Since I’ve been at the club we probably haven’t had many opportunities to play and win there, so we’re not reading too much into it.
“As well, when we do play there, we play pretty good opposition. That’s why it’s hard to win on the road against good teams.”
Star midfielder Josh Dunkley appears at lengthy odds to return this week from the calf damage that saved him out of third-placed Brisbane’s 81-point thrashing of the Eagles.
The former Western Bulldogs star was doing laps of the oval on Tuesday whereas the squad educated at Springfield.
“He keeps telling me he feels like he’s ready to go but I don’t think it’s his decision,” Neale stated.
“Hopefully, he’s back out there but I thought `JL’ (Jarryd Lyons) did a great job in his absence, so if he doesn’t get up, we know that ‘JL’ can provide a fair bit for us.”
Experienced midfielder Lyons made essentially the most of a uncommon AFL alternative this season with 29 disposals towards the Eagles.
Neale was additionally impressed with Jack Gunston’s six-goal weekend haul after being recalled following his axing final month.
“It wasn’t really that surprising because I’ve seen the work that he’s done over the last month on the track and in the gym … to get his body right,” the 2020 Brownlow medallist stated of the previous Hawks star.
Originally revealed as Brisbane Lions famous person Lachie Neale to relish uncommon alternative to play at MCG
Source: www.dailytelegraph.com.au
