Brisbane Lions’ star Lachie Neale has received some promising news regarding his foot injury, as he will not require surgery following the AFL grand final. This revelation brings a sense of relief to Neale and the Lions, as he is expected to return to full training early next year, solidifying his role as a pivotal player for the team.
During the recent grand final victory against Sydney, Neale experienced a concerning “pop” in his left foot. Subsequent scans confirmed that he had torn the plantar fascia, a recurring issue for him. Fortunately, the club has decided against surgical intervention, opting instead for a conservative recovery plan that involves wearing a protective boot for up to six weeks.
According to a club statement, the initial scan results were encouraging, especially considering that similar injuries typically require about 12 weeks for a full recovery. Neale’s rehabilitation will begin with four to six weeks of non-weight-bearing activity while he is in a moon boot. Following this period, the Lions will assess his progress and aim for him to resume running within six to eight weeks.
The expectation is that Neale will be back on his feet in time for the pre-season in November, progressing into full training sessions after the Christmas holidays. His leadership and skills on the field will be essential for Brisbane’s efforts to defend their premiership title in the upcoming season.
Despite managing a “heel issue” for several weeks, Neale was instrumental in the Lions’ grand final performance. He narrowly missed out on the Norm Smith Medal, finishing as the second-best player on the field with an impressive 34 disposals. As a two-time Brownlow Medal winner, Neale remains a key figure in Brisbane’s strategy as they prepare for another competitive season in 2025.