Lachie Neale in the thick of it during the Lions' R6 match with Geelong at the SCG. Picture: AFL Photos

LACHIE Neale is a man on a mission ahead of Saturday's date with Greater Western Sydney - with or without Matt de Boer in tow as his tagger. 

Following a thorough review of Brisbane's 27-point last-start loss to Geelong, Neale said the areas that needed improving were obvious.

THE LADDER Where is your team sitting?

The Lions were smashed around the clearances and in contested footy all over the ground in a third quarter that Neale said "wasn't AFL standard".

"In particular, centre bounce we got done, which gives them field position straight away. The midfield takes a fair bit of responsibility (for that)," Neale said.

00:38

Is there anything Neale can't do right now?

Early Brownlow Medal favourite Lachie Neale conjures a stunning dribbler from tight on the boundary

"I certainly wasn't at my best, especially in the third quarter, so I put my hand up for a response this week."

R8 FIXTURE REVEAL Find out where your team is playing

Neale finished with 26 disposals and a goal against the Cats and still leads the League with an average of 29 touches a game. He is among the Brownlow Medal favourites.

Neale said it was not a huge concern if de Boer was sent out to tag him again.

ALL THE HIGHLIGHTS

  • 02:48

    Danger and Ablett transform when asked upon

    Geelong superstars Patrick Dangerfield and Gary Ablett rise to another level when their team needed it most

    AFL
  • 00:36

    Angry Cat placed on report for late hit

    Gary Rohan concedes two free kicks in quick succession for late contact, with the second earning him a report

    AFL
  • 11:26

    Scott: 'The odds were against us'

    Chris Scott was pleasantly surprised and proud his side overcame early injuries to shock the Lions after half-time

    AFL
  • 05:26

    Fagan: 'I didn't see that coming'

    Chris Fagan admits he was surprised his side fell off so drastically, after appearing to have the ascendancy before half-time

    AFL
  • 06:00

    Highlights: Geelong v Brisbane

    The Cats and Lions clash in round six

    AFL
  • 00:46

    Robbo goes down while Cats go to town

    Geelong add to their impressive goal streak while the Lions suffer another blow with Mitch Robinson injuring his ankle

    AFL
  • 00:37

    Big worry as star Lion injures shoulder

    Important Brisbane midfielder Hugh McCluggage limps off the ground after taking a hard hit to his shoulder

    AFL
  • 00:47

    Give it to Gaz and he'll do the rest

    The Cats take the lead after feeding the ball to Gary Ablett, who finishes superbly on the run

    AFL
  • 00:38

    Is there anything Neale can't do right now?

    Early Brownlow Medal favourite Lachie Neale conjures a stunning dribbler from tight on the boundary

    AFL
  • 00:29

    Is Gary in trouble for another hard hit?

    Gary Rohan could face further MRO scrutiny for an incident following his earlier report

    AFL
  • 00:56

    Hungry Lions eat up nervy Cats through Charlie

    Geelong eventually succumb to some tenacious pressure from a few key Lions and are made to pay by Charlie Cameron

    AFL

"I don't think stopping one really stops us," he said.

"They've got some great midfielders, so it's whether they want to put a stopper in there.

"We've also got some pretty good players in our midfield.

02:26

The surprise Lion who's outperforming Neale

Neroli Meadows and Champion Data's Daniel Hoyne preview the Thursday night clash between Geelong and Brisbane

"I might have got a bit more attention in the second half of last year, but we won all those games I was tagged, in I reckon.

"Teams can do it, but we've got midfield depth that can cover me if I'm having an off day."

One match Brisbane didn't win was the semi-final against the Giants, when de Boer kept Neale to a relatively quiet 17 disposals.

But the 27-year-old is right in saying the Lions have strong depth in there, with skipper Dayne Zorko, Jarryd Lyons having another excellent season, Hugh McCluggage backing up his great 2019 and Jarrod Berry a huge improver. 

Neale said his former Fremantle teammate of five years was both fit and strong, making him a tough match-up.

05:30

Concrete Cogs, star Pie ready, Fyfe in doubt

Nat Edwards with all the latest news

"I want to go in and get my hands a bit dirtier than I did last week," he said.

"I'm looking forward to the challenge if he comes, and if not, I'll look forward to just playing footy. 

"We probably got beat up in that area a bit o the weekend and it's something we don't want to stand for, so we'll be looking to respond and play tough, hard footy ourselves."

IN AFL ON DEMAND NOW