Brisbane star Lachie Neale admits he’s been dealing with a back injury

Lachie Neale is not at 100 per cent this season. But just how banged up is he? Find out why the superstar’s numbers are down in 2021.

Lachie Neale is struggling with a back injury. Picture: Getty Images

Brisbane’s Brownlow Medallist Lachie Neale admits he’s not playing at 100 per cent as a back niggle continues to hamper the start to his 2021 campaign.

The gun midfielder has struggled in the opening rounds of the competition - averaging 22 disposals a game compared to 27 last year in his Brownlow Medal season.

Leading into this weekend’s clash with Essendon at the Gabba, Neale admitted he had been playing through a back complaint but said he was still fit enough to play.

“It’s hard to put an exact percentage on (how my body is feeling),” Neale said.

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Lachie Neale is struggling with a back injury. Picture: Michael Klein

“Not 100 per cent but good enough to play.

“I’m playing and it’s improving every week.

“I won’t go into too much detail but I’ve put my hand up to play the last few weeks and been able to get through the game.

“Once you do that, you’re deemed fit.

“I’m sure there’s guys carrying little things around the comp.”

However, the Lions gun said he was not prepared to use that as an excuse for his performance so far this year.

“I’m able to shelve that pretty quickly out on the field,” he said.

“I have a responsibility to perform and try to win a game of footy with my teammates.

“To be honest, the thing it is affecting the most is my ability to train consistently.

“That’s been the most frustrating part but I’m able to play so that’s also an important thing.

“It’s not getting worse.”

Originally published as Brisbane star Lachie Neale admits he’s been dealing with a back injury