Neale talks up grand final chances after solid training

But he has recovered quicker than expected and a training session on Saturday morning, before their preliminary final win over Collingwood, further boosted his optimism.

Neale was happy to speak with the media in the rooms after the win over the Magpies and clearly feels he is a big chance to be right for the Cats.

"I've ticked every box so far I've had to. I will train as normal next week," Neale said.

"I tested that (speed) today and it went really well. Hopefully Fages (coach Chris Fagan) picks me.

"It is exciting ... but there are still a couple of hoops to jump through and I have to get the old boy to pick me, too. So I have to get in his ear pretty early in the week."

Neale pointed out not all the decision will be his, but he is backing himself to be ready.

"It's within my character to never give up and give myself the best opportunity," he said.

"In the past, I've been able to recover from injuries really quickly and this one's been no different."

Fagan also said post-match that Neale continues to recover quicker than expected, but added the medical staff would make a "sensible" decision about whether he plays against Geelong.

"We'll see how he goes - I didn't think he'd be a chance to play, but I think he is a chance to play," the coach said.

"If it's too risky, it won't happen."

Neale also spoke of his pride in the Lions, who have overcome several injuries to reach their third-straight grand final.

"There have been pretty comprehensive performances since that really bad result against Geelong," he said.

"It was looking a little bit dicey at halftime - that second half was some of the best footy I've seen us play. It's a great win.

"Fages calls us cockroaches - we just never die. That's another thing I love about the club, next man up all the time."

Neale is unsure whether Jarrod Berry, who suffered another dislocated shoulder against Collingwood, would recover in time for the grand final.

"We have some pretty sad stories. I'm not sure what will happen with Bez, but hopefully he can get up," he said.

"I'm just really proud of the depth we've created at the club. It's been a long time coming."