The Brisbane Lions could walk out on to the MCG next Saturday with a team close to full strength as positive injury news makes waves through the team camp.
Star midfielder Lachie Neale looks set to miraculously return from a calf injury he sustained in the qualifying finals two weeks ago, with he and senior coach Chris Fagan spotlighting an intense speed-based session he got through unscathed on Saturday as a positive sign.
"It was one of the hardest sessions I have ever done and got through it fine. I think I should confer with the doctor, but I think I have been given the all clear," Neale said.
"He's doing a lot of work, and he had a really good training session this morning, so it's looking more positive than negative at the moment," Fagan told media post-game.
"We'll have to wait and see how he gets through the week. It won't be long before we're back down here.
"The medical team will make a sensible decision. If it's too risky, it won't happen. If they don't think it is then we'll play him."
Jarrod Berry looked to be Brisbane's heartbreak story of their 2025 Grand Final appearance after he dislocated his left shoulder in the preliminary final while attempting to tackle Nick Daicos. He did not return to the field following the incident, medically substituted from the game.
However, Fagan believes there's a good chance Berry will be fit to play next week, but admitted the Lions won't take any risks if there's a chance of further aggravation. The star midfielder dislocated the same shoulder just a month ago against Fremantle, with the incident against Collingwood being the second occurrence of the injury.
"The medical staff haven't written [Berry] off either, so we'll wait and see," Fagan said.
"It didn't look good and obviously he couldn't continue in the game. The risk is if he plays, will it pop out again?
"One thing I do know is you can't take unfit players into grand finals; it just doesn't work."
Josh Dunkley was seen leaving the MCG in a moon boot while Kai Lohmann had a compression bandage on his lower leg, both dealing with ankle concerns that occurred during the third quarter. However, Fagan is confident neither are of major concern.
"Dunkley rolled his ankle and had to have it re-taped but was able to come back onto the ground," Fagan said.
"He'll be fine for next week. He was moving pretty well after that."
Regardless, it's clear the Lions will have some major selection calls to make as they enter their third consecutive Grand Final next Saturday.
