Brisbane superstar Lachie Neale rates himself a “50 per cent” chance to return from injury in the AFL grand final if the Lions topple Collingwood to qualify.

Neale’s season appeared over when he limped off the field with a calf issue late in Brisbane’s qualifying-final defeat to Geelong.

The two-time Brownlow Medal winner missed the Lions’ 53-point semi-final thrashing of local rivals Gold Coast on Saturday night, and will also sit out the preliminary final against Collingwood.

But Neale could be in the frame for a surprise comeback the following week if the Lions reach a third straight season decider.

The reigning premiers are riding high after their win over the Suns and have been further buoyed by Neale’s positive outlook.

“He’s as mentally tough as they come, so I’m definitel

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