When Brisbane needed an answer to Buddy Franklin's third-quarter rampage, one man put the Lions on his shoulders – Lachie Neale.
Whether it was winning centre clearances, gathering ground balls in his defensive 50, or using soft hands in congestion to set up a goal for Dan McStay, Neale did it all to arrest his team's slide.
Although his 2020 Brownlow Medal-winning year was incredible, there's an argument to say the 28-year-old is going even better this season with his power running, clean hands and damage in the front half.
To date, Neale is averaging 32 disposals, 17.1 handballs and 7.7 clearances, all of which are considered elite according to Champion Data and career highs for the superstar midfielder.
Speaking on Neale's performance, Damian Barrett commended the 28-year-olds ability to accumulate possession while still remaining damaging.
"Sydney came hard in the second half and Brisbane were able to respond like all good sides do," he said.
"Neale is a significantly better play than he was in the year that he won a Brownlow medal.
"He's tougher and his disposals mean more. Every touch counts and he's working through tags."
Neale finished the game with 37 disposals, 9 tackles, 9 score involvements and a goal.
