- Lachie Neale left her leg in the moon boot on Sunday
- Squad appeared at Lions’ Melbourne family day
- Neale said he heard something pop in his foot
Lachie Neale is not worried he faces a long recovery after starring in the Brisbane Lions’ first premiership in 21 years.
The double Brownlow medalist arrived at the Lions’ Melbourne family day at Brunswick St Oval in Fitzroy on Sunday with his left leg in a moon boot.
Neale has been struggling with a heel problem for weeks, barely training but continuing to pop up to lead Brisbane to a stunning major final win against Sydney on Saturday.
The Lions co-captain heard something ‘pop’ against the Swans in the final quarter, revealing he feared he had broken his plantar fascia.
But the pain was worth it for Neale, who is finally becoming a premiership player in his 13th AFL season.
“I couldn’t give it,” Neale replied when asked about the pain in his foot.
‘It’s a bit sore this morning but that’s probably because I was on it until six in the morning so the physio put me in a boot.’
Neale described finally winning the premiership as “much better” than he thought it would be.
Lachie Neale turned up to the Lions’ Melbourne family day at Brunswick St Oval in Fitzroy on Sunday with his left leg in a moon boot
Fans showed up in droves on Sunday to celebrate with the players
“You always imagine that moment and think it’s going to be incredible,” he said.
“Words can’t really describe how incredible the last (period) since that last siren has been.
“I can’t really say what the best moment of my life is, otherwise my wife will kill me, but it’s very close.”
Neale was pipped to the Norm Smith Medal by young star Will Ashcroft, with the pair setting the MCG ablaze in a thrilling display against the highly rated Swans midfield.
In a frightening prospect for opposition teams, Ashcroft’s younger brother Levi will join Brisbane at this year’s draft.
“When I spoke to Levi last night he said we’ll run it again next year,” Will said when asked if he was determined for more success.
Neale said he didn’t care about his foot after yesterday’s win
Lions players were in high spirits as they mingled with happy fans in Fitzroy
Lions fans are celebrating as their 21-year premiership drought has ended
The club’s visit to the spiritual home of Fitzroy Football Club was in stark contrast to 12 months earlier, when the mood was somber following a heartbreaking four-point loss to Collingwood in the grand final.
The crowd at the fan day, estimated at around 7,000, undoubtedly saved the biggest cheer of the day for Oscar McInerney.
The popular ruckman missed the grand final after twice dislocating his shoulder during a heroic performance in the Lions’ preliminary final win against Geelong.
His selflessness in being happy for his teammates and the club will go down in Lions folklore.