Hugh McCluggage has revealed how Lachie Neale's learnt to turn the tables on his inevitable tag as the flag-hunting Brisbane Lions midfielder continues to push through the pain.
The dual Brownlow Medallist was on light duties at Tuesday's open training session ahead of Saturday's AFL preliminary final against Geelong.
He's in no doubt for the MCG battle, Neale's management of heel soreness something that has restricted his preparation for the second half of this season.
The 31-year-old was limited to 19 disposals in the Lions' incredible semi-final comeback defeat of Greater Western Sydney, Tony Bedford doing his best to contain Brisbane's co-captain.
Tom Atkins looms as the Cat most likely to assume the same role on Saturday.
Neale's midfield partner McCluggage said they had grown accustomed to the attention.
"When you first start getting tagged, you try to fight your own battle and just run around by yourself really and it just creates a bit of a 50-50 in there," McCluggage told AAP.
"So (now) he’ll come to one of us - me or Dunks (Josh Dunkley) - and create a bit of a numbers advantage so we can get free or we take a two-on-one.
"That’s one of the things ... he went out to corridor side a couple of times just as protection.
"He’s added that string to his bow this year; being able to recognise when he’s getting tagged and really play a team role.
"It’s not always about how many touches you get and how much impact you have that way.
"There’s so many things you can do, other than that, which help the team and he definitely did that against the Giants."
The round-19 return of second-year star Will Ashcroft from long-term injury has also changed the equation, the 20-year-old superb in his first two finals appearances.
He helped tear the game apart in a sizzling first half against Carlton (20 disposals) in week one of the finals then was a huge factor against the Giants (27 disposals).
"It's remarkable for anyone but Will Ashcroft I'd say, because of the work that he puts in, because of what we see him do behind the scenes," McCluggage said of his form on return.
“It’s not just the physical side of the game, but the mental side as well, in a final when people can tighten up.
“As an older player, you can probably be thinking a little bit about the result and what's on the line. He just played with freedom, and you can see that."
More than 1000 fans attended the side's Brighton Homes Arena session on Tuesday, players given Monday off to refocus after a win McCluggage admits is still sinking in.
"To be honest I don't know how we found a way," he said.
"For sure it fills you with confidence.
"But at the same time it also goes to show how big momentum is in footy.
"If you’re on the other side of it, it’s really hard to stop.
"So we need to keep going to work."
