AFL 2025; Lachie Neale sidelined until finals
The dual Brownlow Medallist underwent scans after pulling up sore from the Lions' triumphant win over Collingwood at the MCG last Saturday.
They revealed a minor concern which will sideline Neale for three weeks.
The pre-finals bye means Neale should be able to return for Brisbane's premiership defence.
Reliable defender Ryan Lester has entered mandatory concussion protocols after his head clash against the Magpies.
The Lions are third with games against Sydney, Fremantle and Hawthorn to come on the run home.
NORTH Melbourne forward Nick Larkey's availability for Round 22 is in doubt after he re-aggravated his knee injury in Sunday's loss to St Kilda.
A heavy landing after an aerial contest exacerbated the PCL injury to his right knee.
'He was moving well post-game but will be braced conservatively in the early part of this week while his availability and planning is confirmed later in the week after medical consultation,' North Melbourne head of performance Kevin White said.
Kangaroos Captain Jy Simpkin also faces a fitness test later in the week after experiencing inflammation of the tendon behind his knee.
GWS have lost emerging midfielder Toby McMullin for the rest of the season after scans confirmed a syndesmosis injury for the youngster.
The 20-year-old underwent surgery on Monday to repair the damage.
St Kilda, meanwhile, has suffered a late-season blow with young forward Mitch Owens ruled out for the year.
Owens sustained a hamstring injury during the Saints' win over North Melbourne and will not feature again until 2026.
'You never want to see any of your players on the sidelines, however at this time of year it would be unnecessary to take any undue risks,' St Kilda general manager David Misson said.
'Mitch will meet with further specialists in the coming days to assess whether or not surgery will be required.
'He's a great young guy who we know will take all the necessary steps to get him back on the park as soon as possible.'
Originally published as AFL 2025: Brisbane superstar Lachie Neale sidelined with a quad concern
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