Lachie Neale pleased with return to form in trying Brisbane conditions

The heat didn’t seem to bother Lions star Lachie Neale against West Coast Eagles despite calls for no more noon games in Brisbane.

The stifling heat and humidity may not have had an affect on Lachie Neale in Brisbane’s weekend win over West Coast, but the Lions star says starting a game in the “middle of the day” in March in Queensland isn’t the best idea.

After a quiet round-1 display against the Swans, who restricted him to just 10 possessions, two-time Brownlow medallist Neale was back to his brilliant best at the Gabba against the Eagles with 35 disposals, including a goal.

However, the conditions took a toll on several players from both sides, with cramping being a major issue in the second half.

Lachie Neale thrived in the trying conditions against West Coast. Picture: Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images

“I actually pulled up quite well, which was nice, and probably because the week before I didn’t do much,” Neale said on Tuesday.

“The body’s feeling good … (but) it was hot and humid, and I’m sure we’ll have some sore boys and some guys that are a bit lethargic early in the week.

“It was pretty extreme. Just that time of day in Queensland in general, it’s probably not great to put a game on at 12 o’clock (12.10pm local time) in the middle of the day in Queensland in March.

“In a couple of months that’ll be fine, but just early on in the season, I’d probably change the time for that game. Even just two or three hours later would have been better.

“I probably lost a few extra grams but nothing crazy. The dietitian does a great job in refuelling us straight after a game.

“It was probably more just during the game, it was pretty extreme, the humidity. Once the sun came out as well, the water started to come out of the ground.

“It was trying conditions, but both teams had to deal with it.”

Regardless of the conditions, Neale had been determined to raise his game after questioning his preparations for Brisbane’s four-point win over Sydney at the SCG the previous week.

Neale bounced back with a best-on-ground display. Picture: Albert Perez/AFL Photos via Getty Images

“It was a different prep for us, going to Sydney a few days earlier. I looked at what I did in those few days and I probably didn’t prepare myself the best,” the Lions co-captain said.

“I didn’t come ready to play mentally, and it showed on the day.

“I looked at that, reviewed that. I always takes lessons and probably over-analyse when I have games like that, but I feel like that’s what makes me a good player.

“I felt like I got my prep sorted (for the game against West Coast). I got back to my usual self and the way I play, so I’ll take a couple of lessons out of that first week.”

And despite his superb weekend display, Neale said there was still areas he could improve on this Saturday night when the Lions host Geelong at the Gabba.

“There’s a couple of areas I can tidy up on,” he said.

“I didn’t think I pressured that well when they (West Coast) had the ball. A couple of times around stoppages I didn’t get the boys set up in good spots, maybe because of the heat, but my voice and direction needed to be a bit sharper to help us set up better at stoppages … but I’m happy to be back in a little bit of form.”