Brisbane Lions star Lachie Neale has managed to play a vital role in an unforgettable AFL preliminary final after being felled at the opening bounce.
In a dramatic opening to Saturday's clash with Hawthorn at the MCG, Hawthorn's Jai Newcombe crashed into Neale immediately after the first siren.
Neale was felled, staying on the ground for an extended period as the game was stopped.
But the dual Brownlow Medal winner was able to get back up and continue playing.
Play was stopped after this incident involving Jai Newcombe and Lachie Neale.#AFLFinals pic.twitter.com/MVeh209fQS
— AFL (@AFL) September 19, 2026
Neale didn't go off the field immediately to undergo a head injury assessment.
After starting slowly, the 33-year-old collected 26 possessions and had eight clearances in Brisbane's extraordinary nine-point win.
"I think he got hit in the chest and he was winded," Lions coach Chris Fagan explained.
"I think that was the issue. It wasn't a head knock."
When the Hawks led by 22 points late in the second quarter, Neale was facing the possibility of it being his last game for the Lions.
But 14 disposals in the second half, including eight in a classic final quarter, ensured he is a chance to end his glittering Lions career with a third straight premiership.
Only dual Norm Smith Medallist Will Ashcroft had more possessions on Saturday.
After eight brilliant seasons in Brisbane, Neale is almost certain to leave in the off-season and sign a three-year deal with Collingwood as a free agent.
In commentary, Melbourne great Garry Lyon likened the incident to Geelong's Mark Yeates taking out Hawthorn legend Dermott Brereton at the start of the 1989 grand final.
"It's got shades of Brereton and Mark Yeates in 1989," Lyon said on Kayo Sports.
"Jai Newcombe there, I don't think it was premeditated."
If Hawthorn had progressed to the grand final, Newcombe may have faced a nervous wait for the match review officer's findings.
But likely saving Newcombe from a suspension was the fact that Lions midfielder Josh Dunkley appeared to push him into Neale and the Hawks champion was simply bracing for contact.
