Brisbane aren't hitting panic stations just yet, despite losing dual Brownlow medallist Lachie Neale for the remainder of the home-and-away season, according to Lions utility Zac Bailey at least.
The replacement for Neale and his inside-the-contest work is unclear at this stage. However, with an elite selection of midfield depth to rely on and plenty of players raring to make the most of the opening, Bailey believes the Lions won't struggle to cover the impact of Neale as he recovers from his quad injury.
"We'll have to wait and see but there's a few people throwing their hands up to get inside," Bailey said.
"There's a bit of a long list. Jarrod Berry, he can play both outside and inside mid, and he's really tough. Levi Ashcroft is one who's been playing on the wing at the moment and would love to go on the inside.
"There's a few people trying to get in there, but I'm sure we'll make the right decision and whoever goes in there will do their role."
Bailey undoubtedly draws this confidence from the sensational work rate of Brisbane's midfield this season. Between 2022 and 2024, Neale led the Lions in clearances by over two per game and only once had two teammates average at least 10 contested possessions in the same season as him, highlighting Brisbane's reliance on Neale to win their midfield battles.
In 2025, however, he's received major assistance from Hugh McCluggage, Will Ashcroft and Josh Dunkley, who all average at least 5.0 clearances and 10.5 contested possessions per game.
"[Neale's] obviously a huge out for us, but I don't think we're as reliant on him to win the ball for us these days. There's guys around him that stepped up their games, so we should be able to replace that hole," Bailey told media on Thursday.
"Hugh [McCluggage], Dunkley and Will [Ashcroft] have all taken their game to another level this year, especially Dunks. We saw last week how important his contest work is. Will and Hugh are just so clean on the inside, and they've been able to take their game to another level."
While Bailey admitted the group felt flat for their co-captain, he sees a silver lining as the club prepares for a tilt at a top-two spot and home qualifying final.
"We were pretty flat. He kept it pretty quiet, I didn't actually know until it came out in the media," Bailey said.
"He's a massive part of that midfield, so obviously the boys feel pretty flat for him, but it will give him the opportunity to freshen up and come back ready to attack finals.
"I do think [we can get a home final]. We've got some players who can fill Neale's role, and we're not so reliant on him anymore. That's what we're going to be aiming for. We've got a few tough games to come up, but if we can win those, then I'm sure we'll finish there."
The Lions' march toward September, and a second consecutive premiership, continues on Saturday at the Gabba as a clash with the in-form Swans looms, with first bounce at 4:15pm (AEST).
