Lachie Neale to undergo surgery on injured ankle

Brisbane’s win over Carlton came at a price, with Lachie Neale one of five Lions to pick up injuries in the three-goal victory.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – APRIL 24: Lachie Neale of the Lions winces in pain during the round six AFL match between the Carlton Blues and the Brisbane Lions at Marvel Stadium on April 24, 2021 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Darrian Traynor/Getty Images)

Brownlow-winning Lion Lachie Neale will undergo surgery on Monday after injuring his right ankle in Brisbane’s round six win over Carlton.

The star midfielder picked up the injury in the first quarter of Saturday’s game.

Trainers assisted him from the field but the 27-year-old later returned, notching three goal assists and 24 disposals in the win.

On Sunday night, the Lions reported Neale would go under the knife but are yet to confirm the extent of his lay-off.

Lachie Neale will undergo surgery on an ankle injury sustained in our clash against Carlton. Details on his return to be confirmed.

— Brisbane Lions (@brisbanelions) April 25, 2021

Saturday’s win propelled the Lions into the top eight for the first time this season, but victory came at a cost for Chris Fagan’s men.

Darcy Gardiner left the game with a concussion in the first term, while Dan McStay and Harris Andrews also suffered head knocks. Former Blue Mitch Robinson received treatment for an eye injury as well.

The wounded Lions will join a handful of their compatriots in the casualty ward, including Jarrod Berry and Oscar McInerney, who are recovering from adductor and ankle injuries, respectively.

Neale will likely miss upcoming clashes with competition heavyweights Port Adelaide and Richmond.