Written by Megan Taylor, sports reporter covering international sports since 2020

Lachie Neale head injury assessment became a major talking point during Brisbane Lions’ clash with Geelong Football Club after Australian Football League officials intervened while the dual Brownlow Medal winner stumbled around the ground.

Neale was hurt in the second quarter after taking a friendly-fire knee to the head from Brisbane teammate Cam Rayner at a centre bounce. He stayed down in the centre circle before standing and receiving brief attention from a physio.

For more Australian Football League coaching news, read Dean Solomon Essendon Coach Update: Caretaker Awaits Club Decision, while official AFL updates are available through the Australian Football League website.

AFL Steps In After Delay

Doctors reviewed vision from the boundary while Neale remained on the field. The delay quickly drew concern from Channel 7 commentators.

“I’m surprised they haven’t gone out to him to this stage,” Mitch Cleary said on Channel 7.

Brian Taylor noted: “They can go out at any time — they’re not restricted, the medicos.”

Kane Cornes said the umpires should have acted earlier.

“That’s where I’d be open for the umpires to stop the game. We stop it at ridiculous times when someone’s foot’s been trodden on,” he said.

Neale Cleared To Return

An AFL official then directed the emergency umpire to call for a stoppage, allowing Neale to be taken from the field for testing.

“Right call,” Cornes said.

“That makes absolute sense. Lachie knows deep down that’s the right thing,” Taylor said.

Cornes added: “Absolutely well-handled. Probably three minutes too late but better late than never, well-handled by the docs and the AFL on the bench.”

Neale passed his concussion test and returned with six minutes left in the second term. Around the same time, Geelong star Max Holmes went to the rooms with a left hamstring concern before passing a fitness test for the second half.

Lions Start Fast Before Cats Respond

Brisbane opened the match with eight straight goals before Geelong kicked their first. Cornes summed up the early shock as Geelong searched for answers.

Patrick Dangerfield then broke Geelong’s drought before quarter-time and had a set shot after the half-time siren, but kicked a behind. Brisbane still led by seven points despite Geelong’s recovery.

Neale entered the match under transfer talk, with the 33-year-old unrestricted free agent linked to St Kilda Football Club, Essendon Football Club and Collingwood Football Club.