AFL 2020: Neale: Whatever it takes to keep the AFL season going

Brisbane Lions star Lachie Neale is ready to spend weeks away from home in an interstate hub to ensure the AFL season is completed.

Lachie Neale celebrates kicking a goal against Fremantle at The Gabba. Picture: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images

Brisbane Lions star Lachie Neale is ready to spend weeks away from home in an interstate hub to ensure the AFL season is completed.

On a three-game winning streak, the Lions are flying high ahead of their blockbuster clash with top-of-the-table Port Adelaide at the Gabba on Saturday night.

It will be the Lions’ fourth successive match on their home ground, but after that lies the prospect of at least three weeks on the road in Melbourne and in a Sydney hub due to the Queensland Government’s hard-line stance on border restrictions in the fight against COVID-19.

With a spike in coronavirus cases in Victoria, Queensland teams would be forced to spend two weeks in quarantine on returning home after meeting Victorian opposition.

But the Lions could serve their isolation period in NSW, leading to the likely prospect of them soon entering a Sydney hub.

The Eagles’ Jack Redden (left) tussles with Brisbane’s Lachie Neale. Picture: AAP Image/Darren England

And that’s fine with Neale, who is willing to do anything to ensure the season continues.

“We’re not exactly sure what’s going to happen or what’s going on, but I know we’ll be ready to roll with the punches,” Neale said.

“The game’s given me so much, and this year it’s probably our time to give back a little bit to the game, so if that’s spending four or five weeks away at a time, I know I’m prepared to do that.

“I know everyone’s in different circumstances, but footy’s given me the lifestyle and my living for nine, 10 years now. I love the game, so if can give back, and whatever I’ve got to do to help out the game, I’ll do.

“If that’s living in a hub for five weeks, and then come back here for a bit and then go somewhere else, that’s what I’ll do, and I’m sure our club has a similar approach.

“We want to get a season done, and we’re willing to do what we can to do that.

“It’s such a strange year but whoever wins it (the premiership) will have done an amazing job. I don’t think it’s got an asterisk.”

Neale has no concern with playing against a Victorian team but has no qualms with the Queensland Government’s tough stance.

“I understand the Government’s position as well. It’s always changing,” he said.

“I’m no health expert or anything, but I fully understand why the Government would say that and put those measures in place.”

Port Adelaide have revelled in spending time in a Queensland hub and are the only team in the competition with a perfect start after four rounds.

“I don’t know what they’re doing in the hub, but they’re doing it pretty well,” Neale said.

“They’re just playing some really exciting footy. Over the next couple of days we’ll do a bit more on their (offence) and get to know their game plan a bit more.”

The Port prevailed over the Lions in a pre-season clash, with Neale saying the Power nullified Brisbane’s attack.

“Defensively they set up really well, and … they were able to move the ball freely and through the corridor quite a bit,” he said.

“They’ve got some guys in really good form … so there’ll certainly be some challenges there.”