Collingwood says it “looks forward” to Lachie Neale joining the club in 2027 after it was confirmed the three-time premiership player is leaving the Brisbane Lions.
Neale’s departure was no secret, as he revealed he was going to miss the Lions “very much” when speaking immediately after Saturday’s AFL grand final at the MCG.
This morning, the Lions confirmed the 33-year-old would leave the club as an unrestricted free agent.
“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”.
The Magpies did not waste time announcing Neale’s intention to move south.
“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.”
The AFL is expected to confirm the suitable free agency compensation the Lions will receive during the trade and free agency period.
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 moved to the Lions from the Dockers at the end of the 2018 season.
He won his two Brownlow Medals (2020 and 2023) while playing 186 senior matches for the Lions.
Neale, a four-time All-Australian selection, played 135 matches for the Dockers between 2012-18.
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