Despite being in All Australian contention and leading the AFL in disposals, midfielder Lachie Neale says he still has room for improvement in 2016.

Neale has averaged more than 32 touches a game and had more than 26 disposals in all but one game so far this season, but the midfielder said his desire to improve wouldn’t be tapered by his recent success.

“I’ve got plenty of improvement left in me this year,” Neale said.

“I’ve been a little bit inconsistent over the past two to three weeks.

“I want to keep improving and I’ve been speaking to Nathan (Fyfe) a fair bit about my midfield work this year and over the last couple of months.”

Loyal Neale hungry for success

While Neale has taken his on-field performance to another level in 2016, he said he’s continued to work hard on his leadership skills, and has embraced the experience of stepping up in the absence of Freo’s key leaders.

“On the leadership side of things, having guys like David (Mundy) and Nathan out of the midfield for periods of time (due to injury), it’s an area I’ve grown in and will continue to grow in.”

A heavy tag from Brisbane’s Mitch Robinson in round 12 resulted in Neale’s lowest disposal count (18) so far in 2016, and the ability to overcome the challenges that come with being an elite ball winner is an area in which he sees room for improvement.

“I had Mitch Robinson (tagging me) and I’ve struggled a bit with those scenarios and there’s still a lot of growth in that area for me.”

Talking points after Collingwood loss

Neale agreed to a three-year contract extension with Freo and said he’s looking forward to elevating his game in the years to come.

“It’s been another year where I have improved my footy and I feel like over the next few years I can still go up a few more levels.”