Written by Megan Taylor, sports reporter covering international sports since 2020
Lachie Neale Brisbane Lions talks are set to stay calm, with coach Chris Fagan refusing to pressure the off-contract star as he weighs up his Australian Football League future.
The two-time Brownlow Medal winner and dual premiership captain is an unrestricted free agent, with family reasons and reported rival interest shaping the discussion around his next move.
The story adds to a busy Australian Football League week after the Fremantle Dockers comeback against Hawthorn, while official fixtures and updates are available through the Australian Football League website.
Neale Still Driving Brisbane Lions Midfield
Neale remains a key figure for Brisbane Lions despite the rise of Will Ashcroft, Hugh McCluggage and Josh Dunkley at the Gabba.
After eight games, the 32-year-old is averaging 30.63 disposals, his best return since 2019 and the third-best mark of his 15-season career.
He is also averaging a career-high five inside 50s and 17.63 uncontested possessions per game, showing how often he is finding space and linking Brisbane’s midfield with attack.
Fagan Sees Shift in Opposition Attention
Fagan believes Neale may be finding more room because clubs are now watching Brisbane Lions’ other midfield threats.
"Maybe what's happening a little bit now is that he's not the one that's getting tagged and clubs are looking at whether it's McCluggage or whether it's Will Ashcroft," Fagan said.
"There's others there that clubs are now worried about, so Lachie is not always getting the same attention as what he was getting a year or two.
"The view was if you stop Neale you stop Brisbane's midfield."
Future Call Left to Neale
Neale began his career with Fremantle, and his children have moved to Perth after the break-up of his marriage.
Collingwood and both Adelaide clubs have been linked with interest, but Fagan said Brisbane Lions want him to stay.
"We and I want him to stay, there's no doubt in our minds about that.
"He's got a choice to make, so all we can do is make sure our club is a really good club and he wants to stay here and keep playing.
"But he's got to weigh up all these personal things as well."