Brisbane coach Chris Fagan insists Lachie Neale is enjoying his best pre-season in years despite the Lions champion dealing with significant personal issues. But until then, the 32-year-old will remain a crucial part of Brisbane’s push to claim a third-consecutive premiership this season. “It hasn’t really affected things too much,” Fagan told SEN on Friday when asked about the intense tabloid interest in Neale’s personal life. “Normally, he’s finished seasons quite injured and been in rehab, but this year he had no injury at the finish. “He’s been able to train fully and in the best shape he’s been in for ages in terms of setting himself up for a good football season.