Lachie Neale to Leave Lions, Join Magpies in 2027
Lachie Neale is set to join the Magpies after the Brisbane Lions confirmed his exit on Wednesday. The 33-year-old will leave the Lions as an unrestricted free agent and is expected to don the black and white of Collingwood in 2027.
Lachie Neale is set to join the Magpies after the Brisbane Lions confirmed his exit on Wednesday. The 33-year-old will leave the Lions as an unrestricted free agent and is expected to don the black and white of Collingwood in 2027.
Neale's Departure from the Lions
The news of Neale's departure was no secret, with the player himself revealing that he would miss the Lions "very much" after the AFL grand final on Saturday. On Wednesday, the Lions confirmed that Neale would be leaving the club after eight seasons.
"Lachie has been a great player for the Brisbane Lions, and we thank him for his incredible contribution over his eight seasons," Lions list manager Dom Ambrogio said in a club statement. "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 said they would "further celebrate and recognise Neale's contribution to the club in the coming days".
Neale's Move to Collingwood
Collingwood was quick to announce Neale's intention to join the club, saying it "looks forward" to welcoming him on board when the AFL trade and free agency period commences on Friday.
"Three-time premiership player and two-time Brownlow medallist Lachie Neale has decided to exercise his free agency rights with a move to Collingwood," a Magpies statement read. "The club looks forward to welcoming him … when the AFL trade and free agency period commences on Friday."
Neale's Career Highlights
Neale moved to the Lions from the Dockers at the end of the 2018 season and has since won two Brownlow Medals (2020 and 2023) while playing 186 senior matches for the Lions. He is a four-time All-Australian selection and played 135 matches for the Dockers between 2012-18.
Speaking after the Lions clinched a third straight flag with a remarkable seven-point win over Fremantle in the grand final, Neale said he owed the club a lot.
"It doesn't feel real at the moment, but I'm sure it will sink in," Neale said on Saturday. "I've absolutely loved my time at this footy club, they're an exceptional organisation from top to bottom and I can't thank them enough."
"It's been an incredible ride and the best eight years of my life," Neale added.