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Brisbane ruck Oscar McInerney says playing alongside Lachie Neale makes his own job easy and the AFL star is hitting new levels due to his professionalism.
Brisbane ruckman Oscar McInerney knows he can keep his own job pretty basic when he has AFL talent like Lachie Neale to work alongside.
Lions superstar Neale has joined Gold Coast's Touk Miller in the lead for the AFL Coaches Association award after picking up nine votes for his 32 disposals, nine clearances and a goal in last Sunday's 33-point win over Carlton at the Gabba.
The 29-year-old is hitting career-high averages for disposals, clearances and tackles in 2022, putting him firmly in the running for a second Brownlow Medal.
"As long as I'm just jumping hard and creating a contest, we've got so many magical players like Lachie at the feet, they just do the rest," McInerney told reporters on Tuesday.
"I just keep it nice and simple."
McInerney says for all of Neale's natural talent, his success is borne out of an intense work ethic and high levels of professionalism.
"He's getting stronger. He's fitter. He's an incredible athlete but has an incredible mindset," McInerney said.
"He's gone up another level. We couldn't be prouder to have him, he's a phenomenal player.
"He's just so clean. He just doesn't fumble but that comes from the work behind the scenes I think.
"That's a great role model for all our young players coming through."
The Lions have a quick turnaround from their win over the Blues before taking on St Kilda at Marvel Stadium on Friday.
Wingman Callum Ah Chee will miss the game after being concussed during an incident with Patrick Cripps in the second quarter which has the Blues' skipper facing a two-week suspension.
There's also significant doubt over defender Marcus Adams, who only did gym work on Tuesday as he recovers from a hefty blow to his side in a marking contest in the final term of last Sunday's game.
The fifth-placed Lions will be seeking a win over the Saints to stay in the race for a top four spot while their ninth-placed opponents know a win is vital to keep alive hopes of finals football.
