Brisbane Lions

Brisbane back ruled out of prelim, latest on Neale concern

The Lions sustained no new injuries from their semi-final victory.

Published by
Frank Seal

The Brisbane Lions have unfortunately ruled out rebounding defender Bruce Reville from partaking in Saturday evening's preliminary final against Geelong at the MCG.

Reville was a fringe candidate for selection heading into September, but unfortunately ruined his chances of squeezing into the squad with a hamstring injury suffered in the reserves preliminary final loss to Werribee.

Reville had 17 disposals and 14 tackles to his name before being sideline in the final quarter with a tight hamstring.

Monday's scans confirmed a minor strain, leaving him unable to help the squad earn a grand final berth but potentially available for selection, should the club advance past Geelong.

Midfield champion Lachie Neale will play in this week's preliminary final through a heel concern.

The two-time Brownlow Medallist was seen rocking a moon-boot after Saturday's semi-final triumph, to no concern internally however.

Lions' fitness boss Damien Austin addressed the discussion surrounding Neale's now-glaring injury.

“Lachie is right to play against Geelong on Saturday,” Austin confirmed.

“He has some heel soreness which we have been managing with him for several weeks now and during that time he has still played some exceptional footy.

“As part of his management plan we have had him wear a moonboot on several occasions, especially after games.

“Wearing the moonboot is the best possible recovery for a foot or ankle injury as it aids and speeds up the healing process by decreasing the load on the foot.

“We have used this approach with Lachie and other players that have had foot or ankle injuries and have great results with it.”

Published by
Frank Seal