Brisbane Lions coach Chris Fagan knew the potential ramifications. <\/p>\n
In fact, he admitted after Saturday\u2019s grand final win over the Geelong Cats<\/a> that he was \u201clying in bed\u201d on Friday night thinking he would either look like \u201ca total idiot or a total genius\u201d after naming Lachie Neale as the sub<\/a>. <\/p>\n Neale\u2019s season was supposed to be over after he injured his calf in Brisbane\u2019s qualifying loss to Geelong earlier in the month and while there was always the risk he could reaggravate the issue, it was a gamble worth taking according to Fagan.<\/p>\n WHAT’S GAMBLING REALLY COSTING YOU? Set a deposit limit. For Free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au.<\/p>\n Watch every game of the 2025 Asia Cup exclusively LIVE on Fox Sports, available on Kayo Sports | New to Kayo? Join now and get your first month for just $1.<\/a><\/p>\n It paid off too with Neale recording 17 disposals, seven clearances and one booming goal in a pivotal second-half performance.<\/p>\n \u201cIf we had lost, and he\u2019d only played a half, we\u2019d probably be bemoaning the fact we went about it that way,\u201d Fagan said. <\/p>\n \u201cThe bottom line was Lachie was fit to play. But how much game time could he play?<\/p>\n \u201cBecause basically, he\u2019d played one game in 56 days, and coming into a grand final, I was a little bit worried about his ability to see the whole game out if he had to actually start.<\/p>\n \u201cLachie and I had a good chat during the week. (I said) \u2018I want to play you mate, if you\u2019re good to go, but this is the bit of the puzzle we have to sort out\u2019 and he and I both agreed the best way to do it was for him to start off as the sub and introduce him into the game. <\/p>\n \u201cI didn\u2019t know when that was going to be, but it felt right to do it at halftime. <\/p>\n \u201cI felt grateful that we were equal, and I thought he came on and (brought) great energy in the second half. It was a bit of a bold plan that came off but it might not have too.\u201d<\/p>\n LIONS PLAYER RATINGS: \u2018Genius\u2019 Lion\u2019s masterclass; polarising star who swung Grand Final<\/a><\/p>\n CATS PLAYER RATINGS: Danger disaster! Superstar among TWELVE fails in embarrassing flop<\/a><\/p>\n EVERY GF PLAYER RANKED 1-46: Lion\u2019s surge sparks medal snub as Cats\u2019 big names, inclusion flop<\/a><\/p>\n MOMENTS THAT MADE GF: Iconic Snoop Dogg tribute; super sub\u2019s miracle bomb before all-time blitz<\/a><\/p>\n “Sour grapes”: Scott rips sub rule | 07:53<\/p>\n