Brisbane Lions premiership co-captain Lachie Neale thanks Fremantle Dockers for starting his AFL dream
Brisbane premiership co-captain Lachie Neale says he’ll always be grateful to Fremantle for giving him his first opportunity in the AFL and revealed his decision to move to the Lions in 2018 was filled with anxiety.
Neale topped off an incredible career when he led the Lions to their first premiership in 21 years. He defied injury to finish runner-up in the Norm Smith Medal with 35 disposals and nine clearances as the Lions won by 60 points.
The Dockers recruited Neale with pick 58 in the 2011 national draft after other clubs told him he was too short to be successful. He won two Doig Medals and three Glendinning-Allan Medals in purple before asking to be traded to a Brisbane team that won only five games the previous season and finished below the Dockers on the ladder.
“I’ve loved the journey. I’m so thankful for Fremantle for giving me the opportunity and for Brisbane for believing in me and seeing what I saw in myself and what I could provide for this club. They’ve helped me on my journey.
“I loved my time at Freo so much. I still love that footy club. I’ve been very lucky to play for two great clubs.”
