Brisbane midfielder Lachie Neale could earn a second Brownlow medal this season such has been his form through 13 games.
After a down 2021, Neale has responded to average the most kicks, tackles and inside 50s of his career to go along with a prolific 32.4 disposals a game.
With his form helping the Lions to a 10-3 start and current second place on the AFL ladder, Neale’s teammate Cameron Rayner gave an insight into why he feels the 29-year-old is the best player in the competition.
“Yeah, definitely,” Rayner said in response to whether Neale has improved on his 2020 Brownlow season on Nine’s Sunday Footy Show.
“I really think he’s the best player in the competition.
“His game awareness is the best I’ve ever seen.
“To have a player that’s at the top of his game and be the person that drives standards at the club, it sets such a good example for us younger boys.”
Having made All-Australian sides in both 2019 and 2020, Rayner says Neale was determined to respond to a down 2021 campaign that saw him earn only eight Brownlow votes.
“I know he was disappointed with how he went last year,” Rayner said.
“He had a few injuries here and there (in 2021).
“But since the pre-season, he’s really put his best foot forward.
“He’s playing some really, really good footy.”
Neale and the Lions will get their next chance to impress when they face Melbourne at the MCG on June 23 following next weekend’s bye.
"I really think he's probably the best player in the competition." 💪
— Footy on Nine (@FootyonNine) June 12, 2022
Cam Rayner with some high praise for teammate Lachie Neale.#9AFLSFS | Watch on @Channel9 pic.twitter.com/24ZtqVO91L