Tessa Lee, Sports journalist reporting on global leagues since 2021.
Brisbane Lions star Lachie Neale says family, financial considerations and life after football will determine where he plays next season as the dual Brownlow Medallist weighs his future. Speaking after Brisbane's 22 point win over Geelong on Thursday night, Neale insisted he has not yet made a decision despite strong interest from several AFL clubs. The veteran midfielder is eligible for free agency and expects to consider his options over the coming weeks.
Neale has been linked with clubs including Collingwood, St Kilda, Essendon and the Western Bulldogs.
A return to Western Australia also remains a possibility after his children moved to Perth with his estranged wife following the breakdown of their marriage late last year.
The 33 year old said family remains the biggest factor in his decision.
Family remains central to decision
Neale explained that balancing his football career with being closer to his children and extended family is weighing heavily on him.
"Obviously my kids, it is well documented, are in Perth," Neale told Fox Footy.
"I have got my family. Dad is living in Hamilton at the moment and gets back to Robe on the weekends."
"My mum and my stepdad are on a farm on the border of South Australia and Victoria."
"So it is weighing up whether to be closer to them, closer to the kids, whether I stay in Brisbane and make that work as well. That is definitely a chance."
Neale said there were several important factors to consider before making a final decision.
"So I have just got to weigh everything. Success, finance, everything that goes along with playing footy."
"I am 33, probably do not have that long left, so just weigh it all up and I honestly do not know what I am going to do."
The Brisbane midfielder rejected suggestions he had already chosen his next club.
"It is 100 per cent the truth. I am not sure what I will decide but I am loving playing for this club and hopefully we can make a run at it this year."
Post football plans also important
Neale said discussions with interested clubs are not solely focused on playing contracts.
He revealed conversations about opportunities after retirement will also influence his choice.
"It is nice to be 33 and feel a little bit wanted."
"I love my football. I love playing it for this footy club."
"What will be will work itself out over the next six to eight weeks in the back half of the year and I will leave Tommy Petroro to deal with most of that."
"If I am honest, I have to go to a couple of meetings and delve into it a little bit, but it is more talking about the future and more post football as well and have those chats with Brisbane too."
Reports indicate Neale is scheduled to meet with St Kilda coach Ross Lyon, who coached him during his time at Fremantle.
Fagan supports Neale exploring options
Brisbane coach Chris Fagan said he understands why Neale is considering his future and has no issue with him meeting rival clubs during the season.
"Lachie Neale is a free agent, and he has had a fair few things going on in his life, and he has to be able to deal with that going forward," Fagan said.
"It is not just from a domestic perspective, but financially as well. He has to explore his options."
Fagan acknowledged attitudes around player movement have changed.
"Old fashioned me, I would not like it, but I have come to accept that is the modern game."
"The only thing I really care about is that he is OK himself and that he plays well for the team, and he is doing that."
The veteran coach reiterated Brisbane's desire to retain one of the club's most influential players.
"We know that we want him and we love him."
"He is at a crossroads in his life where he has to make a decision, and he has a lot going on. I am sure he will work it out."
Lions continue strong form
Despite the off field speculation, Neale continues to perform at a high level.
He collected 28 disposals and six clearances in Brisbane's 19.9 123 to 14.17 101 victory over Geelong, helping the Lions secure a fourth consecutive win.
The result lifted Brisbane into fourth place on the AFL ladder as the reigning premiers continue their push for another finals campaign.
While Neale's long term future remains uncertain, both player and club have made it clear that the immediate focus remains on Brisbane's pursuit of another premiership before a decision is made later this season.
