Trade talk: Why would Lachie Neale go to Collingwood?

Collingwood has shown interest in Brisbane star Lachie Neale as an unrestricted free agent this off-season.

Neale, 32, is out of contract at season’s end and is still starring for the Lions in 2026, averaging 30.6 disposals a game.

While Neale is a key part of the league’s best side, he’s been linked to moves away from the Lions after a marriage breakdown, with his two kids now residing in Perth.

According to the Herald Sun, Collingwood are circling.

Even if a move to Melbourne would only slightly shorten that trip west to see his children, that hasn’t stopped the Magpies from considering Neale as a real option to pair with midfield superstar Nick Daicos in 2027 and beyond.

SEN Breakfast’s Garry Lyon and Tim Watson discussed Collingwood’s interest in the on-baller and what it may take to get him out of Brisbane and into black and white stripes.

Lyon: “The Herald Sun says Collingwood has interest in Lachie Neale. What do you say to that?”

Watson: “I say that's interesting. How many years do you think Lachie Neale’s got left in him?”

Lyon: “The way the Jack Crisps and the Scott Pendleburys of the world are going, he’s probably got another four years.”

Watson: “But would he be what Collingwood needs?”

Lyon: “He'd be what any team needs, I think he's that good, Lachie Neale… but my interest is in this, why would he go to Collingwood?

“I understand the situation that his kids are in Perth, and I thought he may want to go back to Perth to be closer to them or maybe Adelaide, because that’s closer.

“But in this instance, why would he go to Collingwood? You'd stay in Brisbane, wouldn't you?”

Watson: “Yeah, you would.”

Lyon: “But he'd be good for Collingwood. Lachie Neale is an out-and-out jet. He could go to 36 or 38 Lachie Neale.”

Watson: “I'm not saying that Lachie Neale can’t play right now and hasn’t been a great player… what I’m saying is… he's not going to go to Collingwood right now on anything less than maybe a three-year deal properly. Are you going to get three years out of him?”

Lyon: “I would offer him a three-year deal if you're chasing him.”

Neale has also naturally been linked to West Coast to be closer to family, and Adelaide, given he hails from South Australia originally.