Neale speaks for the first time following Pies move

Lachie Neale has spoken for the first time since joining Collingwood, expressing his excitement to join Craig McRae’s side.

With the free agency period opening on Friday, the Magpies officially lodged the paperwork with the AFL on the same day seeing the deal officially confirmed following months of speculation.

Neale joins the side from Brisbane after eight years of service, having just helped the side complete a historic three-peat whilst also winning two Brownlow Medals alongside four All-Australian selections and four Merrett-Murray Medals (club best and fairest award).

Speaking on his initial thoughts as joining the Victorian club, the 33-year-old was looking forward to meeting his new teammates, coaches and fans.

“Yeah, pretty surreal, to be honest,” he told the club.

“I can't quite believe it. (I) never thought that would happen when I first got drafted over to Fremantle, seven years there, eight years at Brissie but really excited to be here and can't wait to get stuck into it with the players, the coaches, the whole club (and) just learn about this new environment and then get to know the fans as well.”

One of those teammates will be the reigning Brownlow Medallist Nick Daicos.

With Neale’s addition to the side and strength in clearances and around stoppages, this sees Collingwood’s midfield receive a star-studded boost.

But the former Lions captain has expressed plenty of excitement at helping Collingwood’s younger midfielders in the likes of Ed Allan and Sam Swadling.

“Everyone knows how great Nick is, and I'm looking forward to learning off of him and not sure if I'll be able to, but I'll try and teach him a couple of things,” he added.

“We'll see how that goes. It seems like he'll be all over it though.

“But an exciting young group, as well. I think you saw the experience that a lot of them got throughout the year.

“Ed Allan came on leaps and bounds in the midfield, and there'll be others developing underneath.

“For me, a major part of my role will be helping develop those guys and bringing them up to speed with the game and bodywork and positioning and ball handling and all that sort of stuff.

“So I'm looking forward to getting to work with the younger brigade as well and try and upskill them as quick as I can.”

Neale leaves as an unrestricted free agent, which sees Brisbane earn Band 3 compensation for his departure. That sees them currently have Pick No. 39.

The Pies look likely to add 2024 Coleman Medallist Jesse Hogan to their list during the trade period, having agreed to trade a fourth-round pick.

Collingwood are also rumoured to be in for Richmond’s premiership star in Jayden Short.

The free agency period closes on October 9. The Trade period will open on October 5 and close on October 14.