As the Brisbane Lions gear up for the final stretch of the AFL season, captain Lachie Neale has issued a blunt warning to his teammates: complacency could kill their finals hopes.

During a high-intensity training session earlier this week, Neale—one of the club’s most respected leaders—reportedly addressed the group in no uncertain terms.

“Complacency is our enemy. Finals aren’t guaranteed. Every contest matters.”

The message came after what insiders described as a sluggish and unfocused training drill, with coaches and senior players clearly unimpressed by the lack of urgency. Neale’s response? Step in, raise the voice, and light a fire.

Teammates say the speech struck a chord.

“Lachie doesn’t speak like that often,” one Lions player said. “When he does, everyone stops and listens. He set the tone.”

Coach Chris Fagan has echoed the sentiment in recent days, reminding the squad that their finals campaign is far from secured and that “playing on reputation means nothing in September.”

The Lions currently sit within the top 6 but face a brutal run home, with games against fellow contenders looming. Neale’s comments reflect a wider internal push to raise standards and focus on effort over expectation.

With finals on the line and the margin for error razor-thin, Brisbane’s captain has made it clear: this is no time to coast.