Brisbane Lions draftee and Fremantle fan James Tunstill says it’s “surreal” to be at same club as Lachie Neale

Busselton’s James Tunstill has said it was “surreal” to be at the same club as Brownlow medallist Lachie Neale after cheering for him when he played for Fremantle. The Brisbane draftee said it was overwhelming to be around fellow midfielders Neale and Hugh McCluggage, but said it was extra special to learn from Neale as a life-long Dockers fan. “Monday was pretty surreal being around Lachie Neale and Hugh McCluggage, so I think it’s going to take a bit of getting used to,” he said. “I was a Freo supporter so obviously Lachie Neale was someone I liked.” After being taken by the Lions with pick 41 of the AFL Draft earlier this month, Tunstill said he would need to do some redecorating at home. “I still have got a (Fremantle jersey) on my wall, so I think Mum and Dad will have to take it down,” he said. Tunstill was seemingly taken higher than expected in the draft after he was predicted to be in the late 50s in a mock draft by NewsCorp journalists earlier this month. The East Perth and Busselton product said he benefited from the lack of impact COVID had on the WA football season. “WA got a full season, so I got to play every game and had no injuries,” he said. “It was good for me to put my best foot forward, so it actually worked out really well.” The Lions have finished in the top four in their last three seasons but did not make a grand final or win a premiership in that time, winning only one of their six finals played. But 18-year-old Tunstill said he still had faith the club could still tilt for a flag after his first week at the club. “I think we’re in a real premiership window at the moment,” he said. “With all the players they have got and the coaches, I can see why they have been doing so well recently. “I think the culture has been really spot-on so I couldn’t be more happy to be in Brisbane.” The smooth-moving midfielder said the week had been “crazy”, but things had started to become more real as the main group of players got together on the training track. “It was really good, it was just one to four-year (players), and then the older players came down, so it was really good to see them,” he said. “I think the culture around Brisbane is the older boys are really committed, so it’s really encouraging me to put in some hard work this preseason.”