Star Brisbane forward Zac Bailey has revealed that the Lions may be getting a midfield boost for their blockbuster qualifying final against Geelong on Friday night, with the club hopeful that dual Brownlow medallist Lachie Neale and versatile midfielder Jarrod Berry will have recovered from their respective injuries in time for the clash.
Neale missed the final three rounds of the home-and-away season after suffering an innocuous quad injury during the Lions' Round 21 victory against Collingwood, while Jarrod Berry looks to return from a dislocated shoulder he suffered against Fremantle in Round 23.
Brisbane opted to take a precautionary approach with both players' recovery timelines ahead of their September campaign. There were initial hopes Berry in particular could return for the Lions' Round 24 blockbuster against Hawthorn, but the side opted not to rush him back into the side and instead manage the injury over the pre-Finals bye.
Speaking on Channel 9's Sunday Footy Show, the recently named All-Australian provided an optimistic update on the pair as the Lions look to defeat Geelong for a third time this season.
"I think the talk has been that they're going to come back," Bailey said.
"Lachie Neale coming back is going to be a huge inclusion. We've missed him around the ball. He's an unbelievable player.
"Jarrod Berry is a massive part of this team. On the wing, he's huge for us structurally, so to get him back is going to be really good. Hopefully they come back."
Bailey, who is on pace to kick a career-high goal tally this season, will take to the MCG on Friday night in the hopes of securing a fourth consecutive preliminary final appearance, with first bounce between the two premiership fancies at 7:40pm (AEST).
