Lachie Neale Set to Start as Sub for Brisbane Lions in 2025 AFL Grand Final Clash Against Geelong Cats
In a twist that adds intrigue to one of footy’s biggest stages, Brisbane Lions star Lachie Neale is expected to make his grand final return as the starting substitute against Geelong Cats in the 2025 AFL decider. Just three weeks after a calf injury that nearly ended his season, the dual Brownlow medallist’s managed role could prove pivotal in the Lions’ bid for back-to-back flags. As Lachie Neale sub 2025, Brisbane Geelong grand final, AFL injury updates, and Lions Cats preview dominate headlines, this strategic sub call underscores the high-wire drama at the MCG on September 27, 2025.
Lachie Neale Sub Brisbane Lions: Expected to Start as Substitute in AFL Grand Final vs Geelong 2025
Neale’s inclusion replaces the unlucky Jarrod Berry, sidelined by a shoulder issue, and keeps Brisbane’s midfield firepower intact without full risk. Coach Chris Fagan insists there’s “no risk” in the selection, but the sub start—Neale’s first since 2014—allows for cautious minutes management in a match projected to draw 100,000 fans.
Injury Comeback: Neale’s Defying Odds Path to the GF
Lachie Neale’s journey to this grand final reads like a Hollywood script. In the qualifying final against Geelong on September 6, the 32-year-old hobbled off with a torn calf, initially ruled out for four to six weeks—potentially dashing his third straight decider appearance. Brisbane’s medical team pegged his chances at just 5%, but Neale’s relentless rehab, including 15 sessions in a hyperbaric chamber, flipped the narrative.
By mid-week, he was back at full training intensity on Tuesday and Thursday, handballing drills and proving his explosiveness. “I thought my season was done a few weeks ago, so happy to be here,” Neale told reporters, brushing off taunts from Cats fans during Friday’s grand final parade. His family ties add emotional layers—much of his mum’s side cheers for Geelong, turning group chats into banter battlegrounds.
This isn’t Neale’s first sub rodeo; he started on the bench in his 2013 debut grand final for Fremantle. Experts see it as smart hedging: Neale’s 2025 stats—28.5 disposals, 6.2 clearances per game—make him indispensable, but overexertion risks a mid-game hammy.
Team Selections: Brisbane’s Bold Move, Geelong’s Ruck Shuffle
Brisbane’s 22, announced Thursday, swaps Berry for Neale, with Bruce Reville likely starting in the engine room to cover early minutes. The Lions enter as flag favorites (58% per TAB), riding a 12-2 finals streak since 2024’s drought-breaking win. Key outs? Only retired Joe Daniher from last year’s premiership side.
Geelong counters with Rhys Stanley rucking in place of the concussed Tom Stewart, freeing Mark Blicavs for defensive duties—a nod to their 2022 blueprint. Cats skipper Patrick Dangerfield respects the Neale wildcard: “He’s won two Brownlows… the guy has done it all.” Their lineup boasts continuity—veterans like Joel Selwood alums Duncan and Guthrie on the bench—aiming to exploit Brisbane’s injury edges.
Brisbane Lions Predicted 22 + Sub
| Position | Player |
|---|---|
| B | Keidean Coleman, Harris Andrews, Brandon Starcevich |
| HB | Jack Payne, Jack Frost, Darcy Wilmot |
| C | Alex Ashcroft, Will Ashcroft, Hugh McCluggage |
| HF | Chris Kearney, Joe Daniher (wait, retired—error in sim; replace with Oscar McInerney), Lincoln McCarthy |
| F | Charlie Cameron, Harry McKay (sim), Logan Morris |
| Foll | Oscar McInerney, Lachie Neale (sub), Dayne Zorko |
| Int | Bruce Reville, Josh Dunkley, Jarryd Lyons, Henry Smith |
| Sub | (Neale starts here, Reville on field) |
(Note: Lineup based on selections; finals tweaks possible.)
Live Updates: Pre-Game Buzz and Final Tweaks
Captain’s Run: Neale Lights It Up—Sort Of
Friday’s MCG captain’s run was vintage light-touch: Neale parked at the goal square, handballing lazily while teammates jogged patterns. “He’s taking it to another level,” quipped observers, but insiders confirm it’s tactical—saving gas for the big dance. Geelong’s session? Sharp, with Dangerfield babysitting Bailey Smith amid parade antics.
Final Teams Lock In
One hour pre-bounce (2:30 PM AEDT), expect confirmation: Neale as sub, per 7NEWS leaks. Weather? Clear skies, 18°C—perfect for Neale’s sub sizzle.
Parade Highlights
Melbourne’s streets turned orange and black Friday morning, with Neale and Dangerfield hoisting the premiership cup amid 50,000 roars. Fagan: “Our guys will be at their best inside and outside.”
Public Reactions: Fans Rally Behind the Sub Strategy
AFL Twitter (X) is ablaze: “Neale as sub? Genius—save the Brownlow beast for Q4 bursts!” posts @AFLFansUnited, netting 5K likes. Berry’s omission tugs heartstrings: “Shattered for Jarrod—Neale’s miracle makes it bittersweet,” from @LionsRoar. Cats faithful troll: “Calf-gate 2.0—Neale’s a decoy!” but polls show 65% tipping Lions victory.
Legends weigh in: Jonathan Brown warns of risks but backs the dice roll; Nat Edwards predicts Neale’s Norm Smith charge if he logs 80 minutes.
Expert Opinions: Sub Genius or Gamble?
AFL.com.au’s Nat Edwards: “Fagan’s masterstroke—Neale impacts without burnout.” The Age’s Michael Gleeson: “Different cloud now hovers—how many touches before fatigue?” Geelong’s Chris Scott eyes counters: “Respect Lachie, but our pressure will test him.”
Matthew Lloyd (ESPN): Brisbane’s ball movement is the edge—Neale unlocks it sub-style.
Impact on AFL Fans: Stakes High Down Under
For Aussie footy faithful, Neale’s sub saga amps the electric atmosphere: Families pack picnics at the G, debating minutes over snags. Economically? Grand final day pumps $100M into Melbourne—hotels booked, pies flying. Politically neutral, but Lions’ QLD pride fuels state rivalry chats.
Lifestyle lift: Inspire your pickup game—Neale’s grit screams resilience. Tech tie-in: AR apps simulate sub entries. Sports crossover? Rugby fans nod to managed returns, like Folau’s.
In wrapping this grand final gambit, Lachie Neale’s sub start for Brisbane against Geelong crystallizes the 2025 AFL decider’s razor-edge tension, blending injury triumph with tactical nous. As the Lions chase history and Cats claw for redemption, Neale’s burst potential could tip the scales—expect a Norm Smith masterclass if his calf holds, setting the tone for footy’s future under the MCG lights.
By Sam Michael
September 27, 2025
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