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Brisbane Brownlow medallist and former Docker Lachie Neale ruled out of Fremantle clash with illness

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Eliza ReillyThe West Australian
Brisbane Brownlow medallist Lachie Neale has been ruled out of Sunday’s clash with Fremantle.
Camera IconBrisbane Brownlow medallist Lachie Neale has been ruled out of Sunday’s clash with Fremantle. Credit: Will Russell/AFL Photos

Fremantle’s chances of defeating Brisbane have recieved a huge boost with reigning Brownlow medallist and former Docker Lachie Neale ruled out with illness.

The Dockers have also regained Alex Pearce from concussion as Fremantle plot how to deny the influence of Lions’ tall forward pairing Daniel McStay and Joe Daniher.

The key defender has been named to return after missing Fremantle’s win over Richmond with concussion, the Dockers also naming Nathan O’Driscoll, Ethan Hughes and Brett Bewley on their extended bench.

Forward Bailey Banfield is the only out so far with a final squad to be named tomorrow.

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PERTH, AUSTRALIA - MAY 26: Nat Fyfe of the Dockers chats with former Docker Lachie Neale of the Lions during the 2019 AFL round 10 match between the Fremantle Dockers and the Brisbane Lions at Optus Stadium on May 26, 2019 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Carson/AFL Photos)
Camera IconPERTH, AUSTRALIA - MAY 26: Nat Fyfe of the Dockers chats with former Docker Lachie Neale of the Lions during the 2019 AFL round 10 match between the Fremantle Dockers and the Brisbane Lions at Optus Stadium on May 26, 2019 in Perth, Australia. (Photo by Daniel Carson/AFL Photos) Credit: Daniel Carson/AFL Photos

Having already loss three of their past four matches to slip to sixth spot, Neale’s absence comes as another blow.

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The Lions have recalled WA pair Devon Robertson and Jaxon Prior alongside Tom Berry, Rhys Mathieson and Connor Ballenden while James Madden has been committed.

Brisbane prevailed when the two sides met earlier this season by 24 points but Longmuir said the Dockers are preparing for the Lions at their best.

“They’re a strong contest team,” Longmuir said.

“They’ve been a bit inconsistent according to their coach in the last month or so. We expect them to bring their best in that area.

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“We feel like our best footy is good enough.”

And while the Dockers will be without Nat Fyfe, Rory Lobb and Michael Walters, Longmuir declared key defender Brennan Cox a “realistic” chance of returning this season despite fears his hamstring injury would be season-ending.

“He’s been ahead of the curve since he got into rehabbing that injury,” Longmuir said.

“Once we get out of quarantine next week, he’ll be back into full training, so he’s done a really good job.

“He’s given himself a real chance of returning, probably around 23, he will be available.”

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