Already a starting midfielder at a powerhouse club in premiership contention, why would he consider a move to Melbourne when his children were in Perth? Even Lions coach Chris Fagan was bemused. “That would be a bit of a head-scratcher for me,” Fagan told SEN about the possibility of Neale joining Collingwood. “But it’s his business how he sees this and where he thinks the best location is for him in relation to his family.” · But after touring the Magpies’ headquarters, just a day before Brisbane were belted by Carlton at Marvel Stadium, Neale’s move to the team that defeated the Lions in the 2023 grand final had become a mere formality.
Well, well, well, if it isn’t the latest chapter in the saga of Lachie Neale! Just one day after Brisbane celebrated their third consecutive premiership, Neale dropped a bombshell on the footy world: he’s officially trading in his Lions jersey for a Magpie one. Talk about a plot twist worthy of a soap opera!
Let’s rewind a bit, shall we? Neale, a dual Brownlow Medallist, has been a key player for Brisbane, racking up an impressive 186 games, three premierships, and two of those shiny Brownlow Medals that every player dreams of. If that’s not a resume to be proud of, I don’t know what is! But apparently, the grass is greener (or perhaps just black and white?) on the other side.
In the wake of Brisbane’s triumphant celebrations, it seems Neale decided that he wanted to take his talents to Collingwood. The announcement wasn’t exactly a surprise; whispers of his departure had been circulating for a while, but to make the announcement right after the public festivities? That takes a special kind of boldness—or perhaps a flair for the dramatic.
Now, let’s talk about timing. You’d think Neale would want to bask in the glory of his recent achievements just a smidge longer. But no, instead, he’s ready to don the black and white stripes and join the ranks of the Magpies. I mean, who doesn’t love a good rivalry, right? And what better way to spice up the offseason than by switching teams right after a championship celebration? It’s like throwing a party and then announcing you’re moving to the neighbor’s house the next day. Awkward!
Collingwood is reportedly gearing up to formally announce a three-year deal for Neale, and you can bet the Magpies are excited to welcome a player of his caliber. After all, who wouldn’t want a two-time Brownlow Medallist on their roster? It’s like finding a unicorn at a pet store—rare and absolutely fabulous!
But let’s not forget the Lions. How are they feeling about losing one of their star players? It’s safe to say they are probably not throwing him a farewell party anytime soon. There’s bound to be a bit of heartbreak in Brisbane as fans process the departure of a player who has been instrumental in their recent success. It’s a classic case of ‘thank you for everything, but we wish you weren’t leaving right now.’
So, what does this mean for both teams? For Collingwood, it’s a major win—adding Neale could bolster their chances of clinching a premiership in the near future. For Brisbane, it’s back to the drawing board. They’ll need to find a way to fill the void left by Neale’s departure, which is no small feat considering his contributions.
In the end, Lachie Neale’s decision to switch from Lions to Magpies is a bold move that has the footy world buzzing. Whether it’s a smart decision or a gamble remains to be seen, but one thing’s for sure: the upcoming season just got a whole lot more interesting. So, grab your popcorn, folks—this offseason is shaping up to be a blockbuster!
Inspired by: “One day after public flag celebrations Neale tells Lions: ‘Make me a Magpie’” (r/Local)