Lachie Neale named Brisbane Lions player of the year for a fourth time

It was a closely fought battle for the Merrett-Murray Medal, the prize awarded to the Brisbane Lions’ player of the season.

Premiership-winning Brisbane co-captain Lachie Neale has edged out veteran Dayne Zorko to win the Lions’ player of the year award.

Neale claimed his fourth Merrett-Murray Medal at Thursday night’s Club Champion ceremony with 73 votes, one more than teammate and fellow All-Australian representative Zorko, with midfielder Josh Dunkley one vote further adrift in third spot.

Lions coach Chris Fagan – who guided Brisbane to its first premiership since 2003 with a 60-point weekend grand final win over Sydney – lauded two-time Brownlow medallist Neale, who battled a foot injury for a large chunk of the season.

Lachie Neale (left) and Dayne Zorko (right) finished first and second respectively in the battle for the Brisbane Lions’ player of the year award. Picture Lachie Millard

“Lachie is a remarkable player, extremely talented, but also has an incredible work ethic and desire to keep becoming the best,” Fagan said.

“He has an amazing resume which includes two Brownlow Medals, and he has come close to winning on a couple of other occasions.

“What really stood out this season is how incredibly tough and resilient he is, because he played most the year with a significant foot injury.

“Yet he just kept turning up, putting in the work and not only playing through the pain but playing exceptional football.

“He is one of the best players I have coached, and I am so proud of what he has achieved and continues to achieve.”

Rookie of the year went to young forward Logan Morris.

Dunkley’s excellent season was recognised by his teammates, with the former Western Bulldogs star winning the players’ player of the year award.

Merrett-Murray Medal – Top 10

1. Lachie Neale - 73

2. Dayne Zorko - 72

3. Josh Dunkley - 71

4. Hugh McCluggage - 64

5. Darcy Wilmot - 61

6. Ryan Lester - 60

7. Harris Andrews - 56

8. Jarrod Berry - 56

9. Joe Daniher - 56

10. Oscar McInerney – 54

10. Cam Rayner - 54

Other Awards

Rookie of the Year: Logan Morris.

Marcus Ashcroft Most Professional Player Award: Hugh

McCluggage.

Shaun Hart Trademark Player of the Year: Oscar McInerney.

Players’ Player of the Year: Josh Dunkley.

Finals Player Award: Callum Ah Chee, Will Ashcroft, Lachie Neale and

Brandon Starcevich.

Youi Game Changer Award: Cam Rayner.

Life Memberships: Nicole Duncan and Harris Andrews.

Originally published as Lachie Neale named Brisbane Lions player of the year for a fourth time