Brisbane’s hopes of repeating as AFL premiers have taken a significant hit, with star midfielder Lachie Neale ruled out of the remainder of the finals.

Neale pulled up sore in the final term of Friday night’s qualifying final loss to Geelong, forcing an early exit.

The Lions put a line through the two-time Brownlow medallist on Saturday after receiving scan results.

“Scans on Saturday afternoon confirmed a tear in Neale’s right calf which will see the midfielder sidelined for at least four to six weeks,” the club said in a statement.

It’s a big blow for the reigning premiers, who have to win three straight games to repeat last year’s September heroics.

The Lions are set to face the winner of Saturday night’s elimination final clash between Fremantle and Gold Coast, potentially pitting

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