Neale confirms departure from Brisbane following premiership success

After eight seasons with the Brisbane Lions, Lachie Neale has confirmed he has played his final game with the side.

Since joining the Lions from Fremantle during the 2018 off-season for picks 6, 19 and 55, with pick 30 in return, the star midfielder has enjoyed a storied tenure, winning two Brownlow Medals and now three premierships (two as captain) alongside four All-Australians.

With Neale’s contract concluding at the end of the season, there has been plenty of speculation surrounding his playing future, with the 33-year-old linked with a move away.

And following their miraculous seven-point win against Fremantle to secure a historic three-peat, the star midfielder confirmed that his 186th game for the Queensland club would be his last.

But he expressed his gratitude towards the club for the success they have provided.

“It doesn’t feel real at the moment,” Neale told Channel 7.

“But I’m sure it will sink in. I’ve absolutely loved my time with this footy club.

“They’re an exceptional organisation from top to bottom and I can’t thank them enough for the last eight years of my life.

“It’s been an incredible ride, the best eight years of my life, and to finish it with three premierships is something as a kid I never would've dreamed of."

And whilst Neale is departing, he is confident the Lions will remain a competitive force as they now seek a historic four-peat.

“I’m sure they are going to keep competing” Neale continued.

“That’s the kind of club they are and the people that they’ve got and the players that they’ve got.

“I love this group, and I’m going to miss them very much.”

Neale is likely to join Collingwood during the free agency period as an unrestricted free agent.