Co-Captain Lachie Neale leads the trio of key additions for the Brisbane Lions as they gear up to face Collingwood in an Easter Thursday showdown at The Gabba.
Neale’s comeback for the Lions is highly anticipated, with hopes resting on the shoulders of the two-time Brownlow Medalist to guide them to their inaugural victory of the 2024 season.
The skilled midfielder will make his second appearance of the season following his absence from Brisbane’s Round 1 encounter against Fremantle due to hamstring tightness.
Neale will be accompanied by defender Jack Payne and ruck-forward Darcy Fort, both selected by senior coach Chris Fagan and the match committee.
Fort finds his place on the interchange alongside Kai Lohmann, Deven Robertson, Callum Ah Chee, and Lincoln McCarthy.
Unfortunately, the Lions will be without rebounding defender Conor McKenna, sidelined with a hamstring strain, while midfielder Jarryd Lyons and utility player Darcy Gardiner will also miss out.
Lyons has been listed as an emergency along with James Tunstall and Darragh Joyce.
In Thursday’s clash against the Pies, Brandon Starcevich will mark his 100th AFL game, cementing his status as a dependable defender for the Lions since his debut in 2018.
