Brisbane coach Chris Fagan has revealed co-captain Lachie Neale is "a little bit further ahead" of his recovery from a calf injury than what was expected, with the two-time Brownlow Medal winner's prospects of playing in next week's grand final well and truly alive.
The Lions will need to defeat Collingwood at the MCG on Saturday night to give their captain that chance however, with a victory booking the Queensland club into their third successive season decider.
Quizzed on his star midfielder's progress from the calf injury sustained a fortnight ago, Fagan said there had been positive signs.
"He's just doing the best that he can to make himself available for a grand final if we get there," the premiership coach revealed.
"He's making good progress. Whether he's good enough to play or not next week, only time will tell.
"He's probably a little bit further ahead of where we thought he'd be.
"I don't know (what per cent chance). I can't answer that question."
Neale has remained adamant he holds a chance to play next week, despite having intially been ruled out for the rest of the club's finals campaign.
Fagan said he will be met with a "good problem" at selection next week if Neale claims he's ready to play in the grand final, should Brisbane make it.
"It depends how the other blokes in his position are going, I guess," Fagan said.
"But it's good to have a dual Brownlow medallist available for a grand final if we get there. I realise that might be a decision that we have to make.
"Lachie hasn't played a lot of football in the last six or seven weeks, because he was out injured prior to the one he has now.
"They're all the things you weigh up when the time comes, but it's a good problem and I'll be happy to have it."
Brisbane will clash with Collingwood on Saturday at 5:15pm (AEST), with a spot in the grand final against either Geelong or Hawthorn up for grabs.
