Lachie Neale has confirmed he is leaving Brisbane and intends to join Collingwood just days after helping the Lions claim a historic premiership three-peat.
The dual Brownlow medallist has informed Brisbane he will exercise his rights as an unrestricted free agent, bringing his decorated eight-season stint to an end.
Collingwood has confirmed the 33-year-old intends to join the Magpies, with a reported three-year deal worth around $3million awaiting him.
‘The Club looks forward to welcoming him to the KGM Centre,’ the Magpies said in a statement.
The move means Saturday’s extraordinary seven-point grand final win over Fremantle was Neale’s final appearance for Brisbane.
He leaves with three premierships, two Brownlow Medals, four club best-and-fairest awards and four All-Australian selections across 186 games for the Lions.
Neale celebrated his third premiership with Brisbane after the Lions’ thrilling seven-point win over Fremantle
Neale celebrates the Grand Final win with his new partner Emma Field after Saturday’s win over Fremantle
But his next chapter will begin in black and white, with the paperwork expected to be formalised once the free agency period opens on Friday.
Neale reportedly informed Brisbane of his decision on Tuesday, although his move had been settled for at least a month.
The Lions reportedly did not offer him a fresh contract, aware of his impending departure and the financial offers available elsewhere.
Brisbane list manager Dom Ambrogio confirmed Neale would leave with the club’s blessing.
‘Lachie has been a great player for the Brisbane Lions, and we thank him for his incredible contribution over his eight seasons,’ Ambrogio said.
‘We understand Lachie’s reasons for wishing to explore free agency and we wish him all the best for the next chapter of his career.’
The Lions will further recognise Neale’s contribution in the coming days. Their free agency compensation will be determined by the AFL during the exchange period.
Money was reportedly not the only consideration for the veteran midfielder.
The departing midfielder described his eight seasons with the Lions as ‘the best eight years of my life’
Neale reportedly wanted to remain in the midfield as Brisbane’s emerging stars competed for greater opportunities
Neale was understood to be keen to continue playing in the middle, while Brisbane’s emerging ball-winners were likely to push him towards a different role in 2027.
Collingwood’s pitch reportedly included the prospect of extending his career deep into his 30s, following the example of Magpies champion Scott Pendlebury.
West Coast also reportedly made an offer in late August, but it fell well short of Collingwood’s package.
Neale explored interest from Adelaide and met St Kilda coach Ross Lyon multiple times, while a return to Fremantle was briefly considered.
Instead, the Magpies have secured his commitment after a final Brisbane season marked by personal upheaval and a desperate fight to play in the grand final.
Neale’s marriage breakdown became public in January, and he stood down as Lions co-captain.
Then, in the week before the decider, a one-match suspension for striking Hawthorn’s Jack Ginnivan threatened to end his Brisbane career from the sidelines.
The AFL Tribunal upheld the ban before the Lions successfully appealed, with the penalty reduced to a $10,000 fine.
Neale stood down as Brisbane co-captain after his marriage breakdown became public earlier in the year
Neale rewarded that effort with 20 disposals and seven score involvements as Brisbane stormed home against his former club to secure a third consecutive flag.
His emotional comments after the final siren left little doubt that he was preparing to say goodbye.
Asked whether speculation about his future made the premiership more emotional, Neale replied: ‘Yeah it does.’
‘I’ve just absolutely loved my time with this footy club. They’re an exceptional organisation from top to bottom and I can’t thank them enough for the last eight years.’
He described his Brisbane years as a period he could scarcely have imagined when his AFL career began.
‘It’s been an incredible ride, I feel like the best eight years of my life. To finish it with three premierships is something as a kid I never would’ve dreamt of.’
Even as he prepared to leave, Neale backed the Lions to remain a force.
‘I’m sure they’re going to keep competing. It’s the club that they are and the people and players they’ve got around as well – I love this group.
‘I’m going to miss them very much.’
