Chris Fagan admits the injured Lachie Neale is further ahead than expected in his recovery, as the dual Brownlow medallist pushes to make a remarkable return for a potential third-straight grand final.

But the Brisbane coach is not yet contemplating the mammoth selection call as the Lions first have to get through Collingwood in a blockbuster preliminary final at the MCG on Saturday evening .

Neale’s season appeared over when he hurt his calf in Brisbane’s qualifying-final defeat to Geelong two weeks ago.

Initial scans had the star midfielder sidelined for up to six weeks, but Neale’s laser-focused recovery has meant the door is open for him to play if the Lions progress to the decider.

“He’s just doing the best that he can to make himself available for the grand final if we happ

See Full Page