​​​​​​​​​​​​Tessa Lee, Sports journalist reporting on global leagues since 2021.​

Leigh Matthews has warned that ongoing trade speculation surrounding Brisbane stars Lachie Neale and Zac Bailey could damage team morale, while fresh doubts have emerged over Collingwood forward Bobby Hill's AFL future. The developments come as the Lions continue their premiership push and the Magpies face growing uncertainty regarding one of their most important players. Both situations are attracting significant attention across the AFL as clubs prepare for the closing stages of the season.

The strongest comments came from Australian Football Hall of Fame legend Leigh Matthews, who expressed concern about the impact of public contract and trade discussions on Brisbane's playing group.

Matthews Concerned by Lions Trade Talk

Speaking on Fox Footy's On The Couch, Matthews said constant speculation linking dual Brownlow Medallist Lachie Neale with a move away from Brisbane was harmful for club culture.

Recent reports suggested Collingwood was pursuing Neale with a lucrative three year offer that would reportedly pay the veteran midfielder around $2 million across the first two seasons.

Matthews made it clear he believes Brisbane should do everything possible to retain the 33 year old star.

“Absolutely you'd keep him,” Matthews said.

“I don't think there's any point about him getting pushed out of the Lions, so forget about that one.”

Neale remains one of the AFL's premier midfielders and Matthews argued he is still performing at an elite level.

“He deserves a three year contract because he's playing as well as he's ever played.”

Team Spirit Concerns at Brisbane

While Matthews acknowledged modern football's contract landscape, he warned the public discussion surrounding both Neale and Zac Bailey could have unintended consequences inside the club.

Bailey, who is attracting significant interest as a free agent, has been heavily linked with a move to Adelaide.

Matthews said the constant media attention around player movement was far from ideal during a premiership campaign.

“The public narrative that Lachie might be leaving and Zac Bailey might be leaving is diabolical for your team spirit, I think,” he said.

The former Brisbane coach noted that premiership winning players can sometimes assess their futures differently compared to those still chasing their first flag.

Matthews also suggested factors beyond football could influence Neale's decision if he ultimately considers a move.

The Lions remain focused on another premiership challenge, but the contract status of key players is likely to remain a major talking point throughout the remainder of the season.

Fresh Concerns Over Bobby Hill's Future

Meanwhile, uncertainty continues to surround Collingwood forward Bobby Hill after his absence from main training on Monday.

Hill was expected to return to the Magpies after spending the past three weeks in Western Australia for the birth of his third child.

Instead, his absence has intensified questions about when, or if, he will return to AFL football.

The Norm Smith Medallist has not completed a full AFL match in almost a year as he continues to deal with complex personal circumstances.

According to 7News Melbourne reporter Xander McGuire, the latest setback has increased concern within the football community.

“There’s no way to sugar coat this, this is a setback for Bobby Hill,” McGuire said on The Agenda Setters.

Frustration Reportedly Growing

McGuire suggested the situation may have reached a critical stage after a series of interrupted comeback attempts.

He reported that while Collingwood remains supportive, there is growing frustration surrounding the repeated delays to Hill's return.

“As someone who's been monitoring this story forensically for the last year, I feel like this is actually starting to feel a bit different,” McGuire said.

“It feels like this has almost hit a tipping point, where there's been one too many false dawns for Bobby Hill.”

He added that frustration within parts of the playing group was reportedly increasing as teammates continue to wait for clarity regarding Hill's future.

Collingwood has publicly maintained a supportive stance and continues to prioritise Hill's wellbeing while allowing him the time required to address personal matters.

Questions Over Long Term Future

Further concern emerged when Channel 7 reporter Tom Morris revealed that people both within Collingwood and around Hill were beginning to question whether the forward would play for the club again.

“That is remarkable given he's contracted until the end of 2030,” Morris said.

Hill remains under a long term contract reportedly worth around $750,000 per season, making the situation particularly significant for both player and club.

Morris suggested that if the uncertainty continues, Collingwood may eventually need to explore alternative arrangements while continuing to support Hill personally.

The 2023 premiership hero played a crucial role in Collingwood's flag success and remains one of the competition's most exciting forwards when available.

For now, however, there is no confirmed timeline for his return, leaving the Magpies facing ongoing uncertainty as they push toward another finals campaign.

With Brisbane managing trade speculation involving key stars and Collingwood confronting questions over Hill's future, both clubs are dealing with major off field storylines at a crucial stage of the AFL season.