Collingwood enters race for Lachie Neale as AFL star weighs future amid personal upheaval

Key facts

• Lachie Neale, 32, is a dual Brownlow medallist and out of contract with Brisbane at the end of the 2025 season.
• Collingwood has expressed interest in signing Neale as an unrestricted free agent, per the Herald Sun.
• Neale's marriage ended late last year; his ex-wife Jules has moved to Perth with their two children, Piper and Freddie.
• Neale has been traveling to Perth to see his children during the current AFL season.
• West Coast and Fremantle were initially considered front-runners due to Neale's family ties, but he is not limiting his market geographically.
• Collingwood views Neale as a protector for star midfielder Nick Daicos and a potential long-term replacement for Scott Pendlebury.
• The Magpies are also interested in Gold Coast forward Ben King, who is out of contract at season's end.
• Carlton faces speculation about trading captain Patrick Cripps amid a potential rebuild, with analysts suggesting Cripps, Jacob Weitering, and Harry McKay could be placed on the trade table.

A new contender emerges for Neale's signature

Collingwood has joined the race to sign Lachie Neale, according to a report from the Herald Sun, adding a Victorian powerhouse to the list of suitors for the dual Brownlow medallist. The Brisbane Lions star is out of contract at the end of the season and has yet to decide whether to remain at the club or explore opportunities elsewhere. The Magpies view Neale as an ideal addition to their midfield, where he could protect rising star Nick Daicos and eventually replace the retiring Scott Pendlebury. As an unrestricted free agent, Neale would not require Collingwood to surrender draft picks—a crucial consideration for a club that has a severe lack of young talent and is keen to retain its draft capital.

Personal upheaval fuels uncertainty

Neale's future has been clouded by the end of his marriage late last year. His ex-wife, Jules Neale, has moved to Perth with their two children, Piper and Freddie, prompting the 32-year-old to make regular flights west during the AFL season to see them. Jules recently shared a raw video of her post-split healing journey, captioning it 'Crying for an hour,' while Tess Crosley, another figure in Neale's circle, posted a baby bump photo ahead of Mother's Day. The emotional toll of the separation has been public, with Neale making a co-parenting confession months after the shock split. The distance from his children has been a central factor in speculation about his next move, with West Coast and Fremantle initially considered front-runners due to their proximity to Perth.

Geographic options expand beyond Western Australia

Despite the strong pull of family in Perth, Neale is reportedly not limiting his market based on location. South Australia has emerged as another possibility, as his parents live there and could help care for his children if he were to play for Adelaide or South Adelaide. The Magpies' interest adds a third state to the mix, and Neale is understood to have not yet seriously considered leaving Brisbane, leaving all options open. Collingwood's inquiry signals a willingness to compete for Neale's services, but the Lions remain hopeful of retaining their star. The club has seen Neale in strong form this season, and his value to the team is undeniable. However, the personal circumstances may ultimately outweigh football considerations.

Collingwood's broader recruitment strategy

The Magpies are also eyeing Gold Coast forward Ben King, who is out of contract at the end of the season. Collingwood has room in its salary cap to accommodate both Neale and King, though the Suns remain confident King will re-sign. The dual pursuit reflects a club determined to bolster its list after a premiership in 2023, but with an aging core and a thin pipeline of young talent. Signing Neale as a free agent would allow the Pies to address midfield depth without sacrificing draft picks, a critical advantage. The move echoes their acquisition of Tom Mitchell, another Brownlow winner who finished his career in black and white.

Carlton's rebuild dilemma and Cripps trade talk

While Neale's situation dominates headlines, another Victorian club faces its own crossroads. Carlton has been urged to consider trading captain Patrick Cripps as part of a looming rebuild. On the Couch's Jordan Lewis suggested last month that the Blues must evaluate all options, including dealing out their captain. First Crack's David King went further, declaring that Cripps, Jacob Weitering, and Harry McKay should all be placed on the trade table. The speculation has drawn a response from Neale, who recently called out Kane Cornes for comments about the situation. The debate underscores the pressure on Carlton to reshape its list after underperforming, but trading a club legend like Cripps would be a seismic move.

What comes next for Neale and the contenders

Neale has yet to make a decision, and the coming weeks will be critical. He could reject all advances and stay at Brisbane, where he has built a successful career. Alternatively, a move to Collingwood, West Coast, Fremantle, or an Adelaide club could provide a fresh start closer to family. The Magpies are positioning themselves as a serious option, but Neale's priority remains his children. As the season progresses, his travel between Brisbane and Perth will continue, and his final choice will likely hinge on where he can best balance football and fatherhood.

A decision that will reshape the AFL landscape

Lachie Neale's next move carries implications far beyond his own career. For Brisbane, losing a dual Brownlow medallist would be a significant blow, while Collingwood or a Perth club would gain a proven game-changer. The personal dimension adds a layer of complexity rarely seen in free agency decisions. In the end, Neale's choice will be as much about family as football. The league watches closely as one of its brightest stars navigates a pivotal moment, with the potential to alter the competitive balance for years to come.

The bottom line

• Collingwood has joined West Coast, Fremantle, and Adelaide clubs in pursuing Lachie Neale, who is out of contract at season's end.
• Neale's decision is heavily influenced by his separation from ex-wife Jules and the desire to be near his two children in Perth.
• As an unrestricted free agent, Neale could move to Collingwood without costing the Magpies draft picks, a key advantage.
• Carlton faces pressure to trade Patrick Cripps as part of a rebuild, with analysts naming him, Jacob Weitering, and Harry McKay as trade candidates.
• Neale's future remains undecided, with the Lions hoping to retain him and multiple clubs ready to make offers.