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

St Kilda coach Ross Lyon has confirmed he will meet Brisbane Lions star Lachie Neale for dinner, insisting the catch up is a longstanding tradition rather than formal contract negotiations. However, Lyon admitted the Saints would be negligent not to ask about the dual Brownlow Medallist's AFL future as Neale approaches unrestricted free agency.

The meeting comes amid growing speculation surrounding where Neale will play in 2027, with reports linking the Brisbane veteran to several rival clubs following a challenging period in his personal life.

Lyon says dinner is nothing unusual

Speaking on Thursday, Lyon downplayed suggestions the dinner was organised specifically to recruit Neale.

"It's been blown out of all proportion. I regularly catch up with Lachie in town, with a close mutual friend," Lyon said.

"It's the normal dinner, with both people window shopping. There's certainly no strong agenda from either side."

Lyon, who coached Neale during his time at Fremantle, expressed disappointment that details of the dinner became public before Brisbane's clash with Geelong.

"Our dinners tend to remain confidential. I know Lachie and I didn't talk about it, so that talks to other people with less integrity."

Saints will still do their due diligence

While Lyon insisted the gathering is primarily social, he acknowledged St Kilda would naturally explore Neale's plans if football became part of the conversation.

"There's due diligence, to try to get better and that's all it is here," Lyon said.

"I wouldn't have thought he's leaving Brisbane and I still don't think that's guaranteed."

"But if Collingwood and Essendon and everyone are talking to Lachie, I think I can slip in between entree and main, 'What are you thinking about doing with your life in footy?'"

Lyon also revealed his earlier suggestion that young midfielder Nasiah Wanganeen Milera would attend the dinner was deliberately misleading.

"That was a red herring I threw out to excite you all and it did. It's not true."

"Both sides of the fence don't run with facts a lot of the time."

Personal circumstances add to speculation

Neale's future has become a major talking point as he prepares to enter free agency.

Reports surrounding the end of his marriage, along with his children living in Perth, have fuelled speculation over whether he could seek a move away from Brisbane at the end of the season.

Despite those circumstances, Lyon believes Neale is still likely to remain with the reigning premiers.

The Saints coach nevertheless joked about how the experienced midfielder would complement St Kilda's developing on ball brigade.

"Throw Lachie Neale in, it would look alright. Icing on the cake."

Injury update for the Saints

Lyon also provided several injury updates ahead of St Kilda's clash with Essendon.

Co captain Jack Sinclair has been ruled out for the remainder of the season because of a serious calf injury.

Key recruit Tom De Koning remains approximately three to four weeks away as he continues recovering from fractured ribs.

There was better news for Rowan Marshall, who is expected to return from a shoulder injury this weekend, while Matteas Phillipou is also closing in on his comeback.

Meanwhile, key forward Max King is back in full training after an extended injury layoff that has kept him sidelined since 2024.

"We love Max and he's getting closer to a return, doing full sessions. He looks a million bucks. The Gold Coast was a real circuit breaker," Lyon said.

"He's in as good a place as he's been for a long time and we are too. We'll drive forward with that and keep our fingers crossed."

King's return would provide a significant boost for St Kilda as the club looks to build momentum heading into next season.