Brisbane Lions superstar Lachie Neale has reportedly gone under the knife to begin his off-season.
After his Lions fell agonisingly short on the final day of the 2023 season against Collingwood, Neale prepares to embark on another critical campaign in 2024; but, it starts with surgery.
The dual Brownlow medallist has undergone an operation to repair a hernia, according to Seven reporter Mitch Cleary, with the recovery time expected to be three weeks.
"A hernia operation for Lachie Neale," Cleary reported on Thursday evening.
"The Brownlow Medallist [is] expected to return to running in three weeks."
One of the AFLW's biggest stars has laid down a challenge to her male counterparts at the Bombers. It comes as Essendon prepares to square off with Carlton - a new dimension for one of footy's oldest rivalries. https://t.co/5zYfOfGqUb @cleary_mitch @7AFL #7NEWS pic.twitter.com/DsVNaeiiCn
— 7NEWS Melbourne (@7NewsMelbourne) October 26, 2023
Neale won his second league best-and-fairest award at the start of the 2023 Grand Final week, beating out strong joint-favourites Nick Daicos and Marcus Bontempelli for the esteemed honour.
Brisbane recently capped its free agency and trade period by welcoming ex-Crow Tom Doedee and short-time Hawk Brandon Ryan.
Meanwhile, the Lions farewelled Jack Gunston back to his old club, as well as little-used ruck-forward Tom Fullarton to Melbourne.
Now, Brisbane shifts its focus to November's National Draft, which commences on November 20 and continues into a second night the following evening.
The Lions are currently slated to enter the draft at No. 30, and they also possess picks 39, 51, 54, 67, and 97.
Selection trading resumed on Monday morning and will remain open up until and throughout the draft.
