Lachie Neale is not downplaying the opportunity the Lions have this weekend when they meet the GWS GIANTS in Sydney, with a win granting them a top four berth on the ladder.

A victory would be extra sweet for Neale, who will be celebrating his 150^th AFL match on Sunday.

“GIANTS are an unbelievable side, phenomenal side really, they’ve got so much talent in every line,” he said.

“Big challenge for our group but one that we look forward to. 

“To be the best, you have to beat the best.”

The Lions have lost four and won three on the road this year. With two of those losses missed opportunities.

“The last time we travelled we put in a pretty good performance,” Neale said.

“We’ll take some confidence out of road form as well.

“If we could beat a quality side like GWS…it would be a huge boost for us.”

Neale came to the Lions via trade period in October last year and has relished his time in the Sunshine State. His individual form has been outstanding, with the midfielder having 38 disposals in last week’s win over Melbourne.

“I’ve absolutely loved it. The Club have been fantastic to me and for me as well,” he said.

“I think I’ve developed as a player in a short amount of time.”

Neale was drafted with Pick No. 58 at the 2011 AFL Draft to Fremantle and would go on to play 135 games for the Dockers.

The 18-year-old Neale on draft day would never have imagined he’d reach this milestone.

 “I haven’t thought too much about it just yet, but it’s certainly something I’ll look back on and be really proud of,” he said.

“If someone said I’d play 150 games, I probably would have laughed at them.”