09-05-2024, 03:47 AM
Brisbane Lions prepare for Lachie Neale to be targeted by Carlton
The Lions are preparing for one of their stars to be targeted in what they expect will be a “fiercely contested” elimination final against Carlton.
Brisbane coach Chris Fagan hopes umpires have their “eyes open” in Saturday night’s AFL elimination final at the Gabba in anticipation of Lions star Lachie Neale being targeted by Carlton.
Two-time Brownlow medallist Neale was closely monitored by Blues midfielder George Hewett at stoppages in Carlton’s one-point Opening Round win over the Lions in March.
The pair traded blows in the third quarter, with Hewett striking first when he hit Neale just under the chin.
The Brisbane captain retaliated with a strike to Hewett’s stomach. The pair were charged by the MRO and were both fined $2500.
Fagan said Neale was used to being a target.
“Lachie cops that out every week,” the Lions coach said.
“He knows it’s coming his way because he’s a champion. Unfortunately, that’s what champions have to put up with.
“Whoever goes to him, if anyone does, whatever they do, they do, and hopefully the umpires have got their eyes open and notice a few things as well.”
Fagan predicted a “fiercely contested” do-or-die battle against a Carlton side that had to rely on Fremantle losing the final game of the regular season to secure eighth spot after being beaten earlier that same day by St Kilda.
“They would be buoyed by the fact that they thought they lost their finals opportunity potentially and then suddenly they had it back, so that’ll give them lift,” he said.
“We know that they’re going to jump out of the blocks and come hard at us, but we’re preparing to come out of the blocks equally as hard.
“We’ll renew acquaintances on Saturday night when the siren goes and see what happens after two or three hours of pretty fiercely contested footy, I would imagine.”
The Lions are preparing for one of their stars to be targeted in what they expect will be a “fiercely contested” elimination final against Carlton.
Brisbane coach Chris Fagan hopes umpires have their “eyes open” in Saturday night’s AFL elimination final at the Gabba in anticipation of Lions star Lachie Neale being targeted by Carlton.
Two-time Brownlow medallist Neale was closely monitored by Blues midfielder George Hewett at stoppages in Carlton’s one-point Opening Round win over the Lions in March.
The pair traded blows in the third quarter, with Hewett striking first when he hit Neale just under the chin.
The Brisbane captain retaliated with a strike to Hewett’s stomach. The pair were charged by the MRO and were both fined $2500.
Fagan said Neale was used to being a target.
“Lachie cops that out every week,” the Lions coach said.
“He knows it’s coming his way because he’s a champion. Unfortunately, that’s what champions have to put up with.
“Whoever goes to him, if anyone does, whatever they do, they do, and hopefully the umpires have got their eyes open and notice a few things as well.”
Fagan predicted a “fiercely contested” do-or-die battle against a Carlton side that had to rely on Fremantle losing the final game of the regular season to secure eighth spot after being beaten earlier that same day by St Kilda.
“They would be buoyed by the fact that they thought they lost their finals opportunity potentially and then suddenly they had it back, so that’ll give them lift,” he said.
“We know that they’re going to jump out of the blocks and come hard at us, but we’re preparing to come out of the blocks equally as hard.
“We’ll renew acquaintances on Saturday night when the siren goes and see what happens after two or three hours of pretty fiercely contested footy, I would imagine.”
2012 HAPPENED!!!!!!!