Lachie Neale believes he is in better form now than either of his two Brownlow Medal years, coming off a clear best-on-ground performance in Round 24 against Essendon to cap off another All-Australian campaign.
Once again he is in contention to take home 'Charlie' in a few Mondays' time, but has a closer eye on this Saturday's elimination final against Carlton.
He awaits the potential task of overcoming an opposition tag, revealing his excitement in facing the challenge and pondering who may get the nod.
"I honestly feel like I'm playing some of the best footy in my career," Neale shared on Tuesday.
"I'm not too sure (if I'll be tagged), I think the last couple of times have been Hewett and Cerra doing a little bit of a role at stoppage, not a full tag.
"Since we last played them, Cincotta's done a fair few roles... he might go to Zorks (Dayne Zorko), or he might play on a dangerous small forward, so who knows?
"I'm sure if it's not him, I'll be lined up on Hewett a fair bit... we've probably broken even a fair bit over the last couple of years so I look forward to that challenge."
Coach Chris Fagan shared a similar sentiment around Brisbane's form as a collective, perhaps looking to raise the team's self-esteem ahead of a hopeful premiership push.
โIt's been probably the strongest period of form we've had since I've been at the Brisbane Lions," Fagan revealed Mondayย onย AFL 360.
โThe group know that, they should take confidence from that and I'm sure they will.โ
The status of key back Jack Payne is a point of contention for the Lions, especially as they prepare to meet the most potent tall front half in the competition on return from injury.
Payne got through Brisbane's VFL qualifier unscathed, though found it hard to impress in the loss under blustery conditions.
โHe's had a good block of training for about three weeks. He played on the weekend in the VFL final and windy Whitten Oval. It wasn't the best day to find your form,โ Fagan acknowledged.
โHe took some good intercept marks, he spoiled the ball well and importantly he pulled up well. So he's in line for selection this week. He's done enough work, I think, to warrant consideration.
โJack missed out on the Grand Final last year due to injury and I know he'd be pretty hungry to get in and do well. He's a great athlete. He compliments Harris Andrews really well.โ
The potential midfield matchup of Patrick Cripps and Josh Dunkley is sure to lure eyeballs, two bollocking in & under mids with strong ability at the contest and elite defensive accountability.
Fagan did not share whether a tagging role will be in place, though did concede an expectation to see the matchup at times on the night.
โThey've played on each other I think the last three or four times,โ the Lions coach noted.
โJosh looks forward to the contest against Crippsโฆ he's such a good tackler, he's such a good competitor, he's never beaten. He's the ideal type to play on a bloke who's arguably the best midfielder in the game. So there's no doubt their paths will cross at some times on Saturday night.โ
