The first Carlton Draught Derby of 2014 saw a young man step up and play one of the best games of his short career to date. 

Lachie Neale was superb in the win over West Coast, winning the Ross Glendinning Medal for a 32-disposal, one-goal performance.

The game was Aaron Sandilands’ 200th for Freo, and the champion ruckman was full of praise for his young teammate after the game.

“He was sensational,” Sandilands said. 

“He was in and under and his attack on the football and the cleanness of it was (great). 

“It was the best I’ve seen him play.”

Neale continued building throughout the 2014 season and was one of Freo’s best in its Semi-Final against Port Adelaide.