LACHIE Neale's sore back is getting better all the time, says Brisbane coach Chris Fagan.
The Brownlow medalist has carried the niggle the past two weeks, but Fagan says his star onballer will be fine to play against the Western Bulldogs in Ballarat on Saturday.
"His injury is getting better all the time," Fagan said on Friday morning.
"He was good enough to play last week, got out there and performed for us, and he'll do the same tomorrow.
"He's a lot better this week than he was last week."
Neale gathered 21 disposals against Collingwood, and kicked a goal, and is averaging 20 a game for the season.
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14:11
Mini Match: Highlights galore as Zac slots after-the-siren dagger
Extended highlights of the round three clash between the Magpies and Lions at Marvel Stadium
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12:38
'I'm glad he had it in his hands': Fagan relieved after Zac's winner
Watch Brisbane's press conference after round three's match against Collingwood
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15:15
'There's a lot of things we could have done better': Buckley laments fadeout
Watch Collingwood's press conference after round three's match against Brisbane
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04:04
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00:33
Lions come running after snatching victory after the final siren
Zac Bailey kicks a set shot after the siren to give Brisbane a one-point win
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00:30
Concern for veteran Pie after high contact
Chris Mayne is sent down to the rooms after being caught around the neck by Charlie Cameron
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00:47
Lions launch for another Cameron major
Joe Daniher takes a huge grab and sends it deep to find Charlie Cameron, resulting in his second
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00:37
Big tackle from Pies son of a gun brings him six points
Josh Daicos kicks his second major of the game after a brilliant rundown tackle and snap
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00:33
Fancy footwork from goalsneak has Lions up and about
Charlie Cameron uses his agility to his advantage and kicks a much-needed major for Brisbane
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00:29
American Pie soccers through a beauty
Mason Cox kicks a brilliant goal off the ground to extend Collingwood's lead
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00:30
'What a ripper': Pies off to a flyer after Sier's snap
Brayden Sier's quick thinking lands Collingwood's first major of the night
He is one of a number of Lions under injury clouds heading into what is expected to be a wet game against the Bulldogs.
Fagan said Oscar McInerney has "at this stage been selected" as the ruckman battles to overcome an ankle injury that ruled him out last week.
Darcy Gardiner is expected to play his first game for 2021 after pre-season knee surgery, while Jarrod Berry has recovered from a hamstring injury.
Fagan said the cold and rainy conditions forecast at Mars Stadium could take some adjusting to.
"Both ourselves and the Bulldogs played at Marvel Stadium last week with the roof closed," he said.
"A very different environment this week, which will change the game to some degree depending on how much rain there is, and teams have just got to adapt to those conditions."
