Brisbane Lions star Lachie Neale is having a season to remember in 2022 and has been vital in keeping his side in contention for the top four.

Neale started his career at the Fremantle Dockers, where he was the 58th pick in the 2011 national draft.

At the end of the 2018 AFL season, Neale’s trade request was accepted, and the midfielder got himself a move to the Lions.

In 2019, Brisbane returned to the finals in Neale’s first season and has played September football every year since, with the 29-year-old winning the 2020 Brownlow Medal.

Neale’s teammate Oscar McInerney recently spoke to AFL writer Michael Whiting about the two-time All-Australian.

“His [Neale’s] will to improve, he’s the last guy out on the track, he’s always working on his touch, (doing) weights, he’s getting stronger, he’s fitter, he’s an incredible athlete, he’s got an incredible mindset,” McInerney said.

“He’s gone up a level.

“We couldn’t be prouder of that.

“He’s a phenomenal player.

“He’s just so clean, he just doesn’t fumble, and that goes to the work he does behind the scenes.

“He’s a great role model for our young players coming through; we’ve got so many exciting mids on our list. To see the best one in the business and how he goes about it and prepares … is a great opportunity for us all to learn.”

Neale is currently the outright favourite to win his second Brownlow Medal after a phenomenal individual season.

Brisbane currently sits in fifth place on the AFL ladder but is tied third on points with defending premiers the Melbourne Demons and the Sydney Swans.

On Friday night, the Lions face St Kilda, who are on the cusp of the top eight in a must-win game for their top four chances, followed by a final-round match against the Demons, which could decide who finishes in fourth place out of the two sides.

This is where Neale’s form and influence on his side will be crucial as Brisbane looks to be safe from elimination in the first week of the finals and win their first flag since 2003.