Brisbane midfielder Lachie Neale has been one of the AFL’s most dangerous midfielders this season, with teams often trying, and ultimately failing, to limit his influence. 

Port Adelaide decided to attack the on-baller on Sunday, but abandoned the tactic at half-time with the Lions leading by 44 points and easily winning the midfield battle. 

Despite Neale’s obvious quality, he wasn’t surprised that Brisbane’s other midfield weapons fired against the Power.

“It shows that we’re not a one man band in midfield,” Lions’ coach Chris Fagan said. 

“We didn’t go crazy and we kept playing the ball … [in a good team] everyone can shoulder the load, and we were able to do that.” 

Fagan said Port went overboard with their targeting of Neale. 

“I thought it was a bit over the top to be honest. He got pounded,” he said. 

“We sort of knew it was coming … [but] we’re not a one man team.”

One player who stepped up for Brisbane was Jarryd Lyons, who accumulated game highs for disposals (36) and tackles (9).

“[Lyons] was outstanding tonight,” Fagan said. 

“He does fly under the radar but we’re really glad we have him. He’s a great person, a leader on the field and he’s a pretty decent footballer.”