Neale on the opportunity ahead

I am very excited.

It was my first Finals series last year and it was great exposure, great experience. I am relishing the opportunity that we have got, everyone appreciates where we are.

We are really looking forward to next week. 

Neale on what is different this year

I have certainly got more games under my belt, more consistency and more continuity at AFL level.

Playing against those best defenders and best teams, so I feel well equipped. I feel like the synergy and the connection of the group is as good as it has been this year.

Everyone is really excited and ready to go. 

Neale on his battle with Harris Andrews

I just wanted to play my role for the team. He [Harris Andrews] is an outstanding defender, really good at intercepting the footy when it comes down his way.

I wanted to play my own game, without focusing too much on him per se. But at the same time, I had to try and mitigate his impact on the contest.

I felt like I had patches where I did that well, but at the same time, I probably had patches where I could have done it a bit better.

I just enjoyed the experience and the opportunity to play on such a great defender in Harris. 

Neale on Geelong's array of goal kickers

There is no instruction that forwards have to kick all the goals, so it is great to see 'Stewie,' De Koning come down from the ruck, all those guys come down and kick goals.

I think it is really uplifting for the team in that moment.

I remember when Tom Stewart kicked that goal, obviously it wasn't his first goal but the whole team almost made it feel like it was.

Then Oisin kicking his first goal, I think it just takes the pressure off in the moment. Everyone was smiling, everyone is having fun and enjoying that.

It is really exciting and it is something that we pride ourselves on. 

09:38

Cats Dominate At The G | Qualifying Final Game Film

Look back at some behind the scenes footage from our 38 point victory against the Lions booking ourselves our home Preliminary Final.

Neale on how he deals with the bye weeks

As I mentioned earlier, continuity has been something big for me and the coaches have been really good in trying to get that continuity.

Something I do is I plan my weeks really diligently, I know what I go after at training, things I work, things I need to keep on top of.

As long as I keep those ticking along, Monday to Friday then I know I will be in good stead. We do plenty of match play so I will get plenty of that, inside 50 stuff and forwards v backs.

There is plenty I can get out of training that keeps me ticking along, but my Monday to Friday doesn't change.