Unrestricted Free Agent Lachie Neale [OOC/RFA 2026]

[Pure_Ownage]

He's a 2 time premiership captain and has a couple of Brownlows.

I don't think you can shade Neale's credentials to play a similar role to Hodge.

He stepped out on his wife...no drink driving charges that we know of.

Lachie neale as a teacher or role model would be a disaster. Worst thing wce could do.

 

[THE_GUN]

He would be exactly the player the eagles need even at 34 years old
Has had a brilliant career and shown he is a great player

But has had some injuries lately and not sure how durable he would be going foward in 18 months time
Lions would just let him go and not stop him from getting to where he wants and wont need him anymore as they have great replacements and would probably welcome him leaving with the midfield they have ready in 2027

 

[marcmurphy3]

Westcoast would take him in a heartbeat for reasonable money. Doesn't suit Freo at this stage. Though he might rather just play out the last few years of his career with the lions, then move back.

 

[mpal6]

Lachie neale as a teacher or role model would be a disaster. Worst thing wce could do.

In 12 months time his personal stuff would be old news and long forgotten. A long 15 year career and his only blot was off-field - you can keep trumpeting it but it doesn't diminish what Neale brings to the table as a player.

Neale will be an excellent pickup for any on-field role for West Coast or Fremantle if he wants to return to WA. He's meticulous in prep and his training / coaching will be a great learning opportunity for young mids. He's a dual brownlow medallist, elite midfielder and he can teach a thing or two for new draftees entering the system.

I bet Chris Scott and McRae will be all over him if there is any rumour of Neale considering a Victoria move.

 

[mpal6]

Lachie neale as a teacher or role model would be a disaster. Worst thing wce could do.

Crows player pleads guilty to drink driving weeks after illicit drug incident

Young AFL player Tyson Stengle is fined almost $1,700 and apologises to "those hurt by my poor decisions" after pleading guilty in an Adelaide court to an April drink-driving offence.

www.abc.net.au

This bloke was caught with illicit substance, drink driving, delisted by Adelaide and out of the game for a whole year. Geelong still took him, has played in premiership, all-australian, got a big 5 year deal etc. He's no angel even after moving to Geelong, was dragged out of nightclub at 2am unresponsive and Dangerfield brushed it off as "error in judgment" lol.

https://www.foxsports.com.au/afl/te...s/news-story/6248a3ebc5f7e15a6c871dde39537658

Lachie Neale's indiscretion pales in comparison to what Stengle's been up to so far. But Stengle will be a cats legend still I'm sure

 

[Jirik13]

Lachie neale as a teacher or role model would be a disaster. Worst thing wce could do.

Quite the opposite. One of the best players in the last 5 years and still playing at high level. A bit like Hodge when he went to Lions but still at top level. Eagles players could learn a thing or two from him on the field and in preparation. Forget private off field stuff.

 

[Pure_Ownage]

Quite the opposite. One of the best players in the last 5 years and still playing at high level. A bit like Hodge when he went to Lions but still at top level. Eagles players could learn a thing or two from him on the field and in preparation. Forget private off field stuff.

Forget his off field values which are massive problems but neale doesn't strike me as the type to be an effective communicator or mentor on field. Gun player yes but not someone id be picking for an on field coaching role. Hodge had a football brain and was good for that.

For that reason I doubt he gets a contract anywhere in WA (freo dont need him and hes not the right fit for where wce is at) so unless he is going to do 1 more year at brisbane (which would indicate his kids aren't his first priority) then id be expecting he retires

 

[Jirik13]

Forget his off field values which are massive problems but neale doesn't strike me as the type to be an effective communicator or mentor on field. Gun player yes but not someone id be picking for an on field coaching role. Hodge had a football brain and was good for that.

For that reason I doubt he gets a contract anywhere in WA (freo dont need him and hes not the right fit for where wce is at) so unless he is going to do 1 more year at brisbane (which would indicate his kids aren't his first priority) then id be expecting he retires

Basically disagree with everything you wrote, haha. That's ok. Neale is a co-captain. You don't make a player captain for nothing in fantastic organisation in every aspect. Eagles will grab him. Let's see.

 

[mpal6]

Forget his off field values which are massive problems but neale doesn't strike me as the type to be an effective communicator or mentor on field. Gun player yes but not someone id be picking for an on field coaching role. Hodge had a football brain and was good for that.

For that reason I doubt he gets a contract anywhere in WA (freo dont need him and hes not the right fit for where wce is at) so unless he is going to do 1 more year at brisbane (which would indicate his kids aren't his first priority) then id be expecting he retires

LOL - I understand it's hard to get over the fact that he came on as sub in Grand final and tore a new one for you guys. But you trying to propagate this narrative about Neale not being effective in coaching etc is just a myth.

“1000 touches”: The daily routine behind star Lion’s best asset

How Lachie Neale prepares himself.

archive.sen.com.au

Levi Ashcroft has consistently highlighted how he follows and tries to learn from Neale's training patterns. That's just one mentioned in media but lot of players - young n old - are doing the same in our list.

Fremantle doesn't need him is a fallacy too, if they want to win a premiership - they just need to load the list with as much elite talent as possible so a Grand final becomes inevitable. Neale doing limited time off 5-man bench but maximum damage playing his one touch brand of footy will be a difference maker for any list out there.

 

[eastfreo75]

LOL - I understand it's hard to get over the fact that he came on as sub in Grand final and tore a new one for you guys. But you trying to propagate this narrative about Neale not being effective in coaching etc is just a myth.

“1000 touches”: The daily routine behind star Lion’s best asset

How Lachie Neale prepares himself.

archive.sen.com.au

Levi Ashcroft has consistently highlighted how he follows and tries to learn from Neale's training patterns. That's just one mentioned in media but lot of players - young n old - are doing the same in our list.

Fremantle doesn't need him is a fallacy too, if they want to win a premiership - they just need to load the list with as much elite talent as possible so a Grand final becomes inevitable. Neale doing limited time off 5-man bench but maximum damage playing his one touch brand of footy will be a difference maker for any list out there.

Interesting take on the impact of the 5-man bench and managing minutes.

Fremantle have Serong and Reid as small midfielders and getting in Neale makes the middle tiny.

Also, Dockers last season needed another quality half Back, fat side winger and another small forward. Not sure how Neale assists with that. McVee is a good pick up, but we are still lacking an open side winger and another quality forward.

 

[mpal6]

Interesting take on the impact of the 5-man bench and managing minutes.

Fremantle have Serong and Reid as small midfielders and getting in Neale makes the middle tiny.

Also, Dockers last season needed another quality half Back, fat side winger and another small forward. Not sure how Neale assists with that. McVee is a good pick up, but we are still lacking an open side winger and another quality forward.

Your midfield has similar issues to ours back in 2021-23, trying to find that right balance. I'd personally keep Murphy Reid forward as he seems elite, too crafty and can find goals - similar to Zac Bailey for us. You'll need a big body defensive mid - may be Johnson? or Hayden Young possibly if he gets his fitness together. That leaves 2 more spots which is currently held by Brayshaw and Serong - I don't know enough about who has the versatility to play different roles but slotting Neale there (if he chose to return to WA at end of 2026) as burst would push your midfield to another new level altogether.

 

[eastfreo75]

Your midfield has similar issues to ours back in 2021-23, trying to find that right balance. I'd personally keep Murphy Reid forward as he seems elite, too crafty and can find goals - similar to Zac Bailey for us. You'll need a big body defensive mid - may be Johnson? or Hayden Young possibly if he gets his fitness together. That leaves 2 more spots which is currently held by Brayshaw and Serong - I don't know enough about who has the versatility to play different roles but slotting Neale there (if he chose to return to WA at end of 2026) as burst would push your midfield to another new level altogether.

Really good discussion.

Jackson and Bolton run through the middle as well.

With recruits you don't want to duplicate. Getting in Neale is duplication and the structure would have to change. Maybe, Neale and Reid could play a high half forwards.

Also, with Neale West Coast would be paying more and have more off opportunities than Fremantle.

Still, it's an interesting debate.

 

[mpal6]

Really good discussion.

Jackson and Bolton run through the middle as well.

With recruits you don't want to duplicate. Getting in Neale is duplication and the structure would have to change. Maybe, Neale and Reid could play a high half forwards.

Also, with Neale West Coast would be paying more and have more off opportunities than Fremantle.

Still, it's an interesting debate.

I'd agree with avoiding duplication - but our hand was forced in draft over last few years where we kept getting midfielders via our father son or academy. So we took the path of "grab them, try n teach them an alternate position and let their class + elite qualities enable them to establish themselves in that new role".

Fletcher played wing and then half back, Levi played wing this year and some inside mid minutes at the end when Neale wasn't available. Marshall started playing wing etc. Will Ashcroft was the only exception, he came readymade for midfield and walked in straight into that spot. We even pushed others out to some degree to accommodate him at the very beginning in 2023.

All I learnt in the last 2 years is duplication is a good problem to have as long as the players coming in are in that top of the tree bracket. Players like Neale would embrace that challenge and adapt to team needs. If you're able to find a balance between their new role and their preferred role - it seems to work itself out overall and makes the team more lethal, multi-pronged in the process. We covered Neale missing in action this way last year with Levi Ashcroft. Also when Annable (another inside mid) was available for us in draft, we grabbed him as well.

 

[Johnny Bananas]

Luke Hodge went to Brisbane to be an onfield leader and set standards.

I’m not sure Neale is of that kind of ilk.

Great player in his prime though.

Yeah, we only went and made him co-captain. Couldn't be much of a leader at all hey?

 

[Pure_Ownage]

LOL - I understand it's hard to get over the fact that he came on as sub in Grand final and tore a new one for you guys. But you trying to propagate this narrative about Neale not being effective in coaching etc is just a myth.

“1000 touches”: The daily routine behind star Lion’s best asset

How Lachie Neale prepares himself.

archive.sen.com.au

Levi Ashcroft has consistently highlighted how he follows and tries to learn from Neale's training patterns. That's just one mentioned in media but lot of players - young n old - are doing the same in our list.

Fremantle doesn't need him is a fallacy too, if they want to win a premiership - they just need to load the list with as much elite talent as possible so a Grand final becomes inevitable. Neale doing limited time off 5-man bench but maximum damage playing his one touch brand of footy will be a difference maker for any list out there.

Im not sure whether you are trolling or not but anyway. No the GF doesnt come into it-frankly id be saying the same if he was a Geelong player.

I dont think that article proves what you think it is. Yes neale is dedicated to his craft and it might help some kids to see that work ethic. But im talking about teaching them and coaching them. Most of what neale has-a bit like pendlebury and a few others-the touch and vision in traffic-it is not a skill you can really teach-players either have it or they dont-so his ability to pass it on will be limited. It's not like teaching technical ability with kicking, marking, body positioning or game plans/footy IQ etc.
For example i consider gaj jnr the second greatest player I've ever seen live but most of what he has is innate-between this and his personality i dont think he would ever be a good coach. For eg (and this is an example you could apply it to many clubs) guys like enright, Corey, Kelly etc are inferior players to him but have a better ability to teach and coach the game to others. I see neale the same way. Guys like Hodge birchall etc were much better teaching and coaching types as I stated.

Back to your broader point freo already have enough small midfielders. Getting neale essentially duplicates what strong already does-freo have other list needs they should spend the capital on. And hes both the wrong age and the wrong type of coach doe what wce need. So I doubt hes going back to WA unless hes retiring.

 

[Johnny Bananas]

People keep saying he's too old for what West Coast need. Uh, what? Are they only looking for players in their prime because they think their premiership window is opening, or something? I thought they just sacrificed an academy player and a father-son because they were using list spots on veteran midfielders to take the brunt of the inside midfield punishment until their youngsters have developed enough to step in. That's exactly what Neale can provide, and to a much higher quality than Robertson or Schoenberg can.

 

[Pure_Ownage]

People keep saying he's too old for what West Coast need. Uh, what? Are they only looking for players in their prime because they think their premiership window is opening, or something? I thought they just sacrificed an academy player and a father-son because they were using list spots on veteran midfielders to take the brunt of the inside midfield punishment until their youngsters have developed enough to step in. That's exactly what Neale can provide, and to a much higher quality than Robertson or Schoenberg can.

Huh? Robertson and the like were extra rookie list spots and the academy kids were never getting to the rookie draft. Different issues.

In effect wce chose not delisting players like cripps over banfield not robertson-you are confusing 2 separate issues even though I disagree with what they did.

 

[GoEaglesGoSGIO]

He is too shit of a person for what West Coast needs

We dont need the drama

 

[Johnny Bananas]

Huh? Robertson and the like were extra rookie list spots and the academy kids were never getting to the rookie draft. Different issues.

In effect wce chose not delisting players like cripps over banfield not robertson-you are confusing 2 separate issues even though I disagree with what they did.

You are aware that they could have moved Cripps and friends to the rookie list had they not used three rookie list spots on veterans from other clubs?

 

[mpal6]

Im not sure whether you are trolling or not but anyway. No the GF doesnt come into it-frankly id be saying the same if he was a Geelong player.

I dont think that article proves what you think it is. Yes neale is dedicated to his craft and it might help some kids to see that work ethic. But im talking about teaching them and coaching them. Most of what neale has-a bit like pendlebury and a few others-the touch and vision in traffic-it is not a skill you can really teach-players either have it or they dont-so his ability to pass it on will be limited. It's not like teaching technical ability with kicking, marking, body positioning or game plans/footy IQ etc.
For example i consider gaj jnr the second greatest player I've ever seen live but most of what he has is innate-between this and his personality i dont think he would ever be a good coach. For eg (and this is an example you could apply it to many clubs) guys like enright, Corey, Kelly etc are inferior players to him but have a better ability to teach and coach the game to others. I see neale the same way. Guys like Hodge birchall etc were much better teaching and coaching types as I stated.

Back to your broader point freo already have enough small midfielders. Getting neale essentially duplicates what strong already does-freo have other list needs they should spend the capital on. And hes both the wrong age and the wrong type of coach doe what wce need. So I doubt hes going back to WA unless hes retiring.

"Lachie neale as a teacher or role model would be a disaster. Worst thing wce could do."

" I doubt he gets a contract anywhere in WA (freo dont need him and hes not the right fit for where wce is at) so unless he is going to do 1 more year at brisbane (which would indicate his kids aren't his first priority) then id be expecting he retires"

These were your words mate. You started the trolling claiming Neale isn't good enough to be anywhere and likely to retire - don't start pedaling back claiming high ground now. "Trolling? who? me? oh no !"

I understand you found another thread to express your Grand Final loss frustration but it doesn't quantify in anyway how Neale has performed as a Leader at our club and Captain of the side for last 3 years - 2 of which landed in a premiership and a grand final in 2023.

He has been voted in as captain by players, coaches and leadership group - either he's a successful con artist for the last 6 years at our club or he has carried a significant Leadership profile amongst our team. With 2 brownlows, 4 AAs, 2 Premierships, 3 years of captaincy - I know what is closer to truth but sure carry on with your trolling in the interim.

Lachie Neale - what a disaster. Hope we hang on to him and save other clubs the misery. LOL.

 

[mpal6]

He is too shit of a person for what West Coast needs

We dont need the drama

If you want Lachie Neale personal drama thread - there's one in Scandal and Rumours board lighting up for last few days.

This is Lachie Neale as a player and what he can add to the wider group. I'd hazard a guess and say he's more proven, credentialed, professional and meticulous than anyone in your list currently.

 

[Pure_Ownage]

"Lachie neale as a teacher or role model would be a disaster. Worst thing wce could do."

" I doubt he gets a contract anywhere in WA (freo dont need him and hes not the right fit for where wce is at) so unless he is going to do 1 more year at brisbane (which would indicate his kids aren't his first priority) then id be expecting he retires"

These were your words mate. You started the trolling claiming Neale isn't good enough to be anywhere and likely to retire - don't start pedaling back claiming high ground now. "Trolling? who? me? oh no !"

I understand you found another thread to express your Grand Final loss frustration but it doesn't quantify in anyway how Neale has performed as a Leader at our club and Captain of the side for last 3 years - 2 of which landed in a premiership and a grand final in 2023.

He has been voted in as captain by players, coaches and leadership group - either he's a successful con artist for the last 6 years at our club or he has carried a significant Leadership profile amongst our team. With 2 brownlows, 4 AAs, 2 Premierships, 3 years of captaincy - I know what is closer to truth but sure carry on with your trolling in the interim.

Lachie Neale - what a disaster. Hope we hang on to him and save other clubs the misery. LOL.

Way to tell me you didnt read my post without telling me you didnt read my post. Good job.

 

[mpal6]

Way to tell me you didnt read my post without telling me you didnt read my post. Good job.

Way to write your perception of comparing Neale to Ablett Junior ignoring what he has achieved as our captain, leader, on a consistent basis over multiple years. How young players are providing feedback on learning midfield craft, training habits from him etc. You just decided all that doesn't matter because you have this "feeling" that his ability to pass on knowledge/feedback/teachings will be limited, haha.

But you do you, whatever floats your boat mate.

 

[eastfreo75]

He is too shit of a person for what West Coast needs

We dont need the drama

You will find that most AFL players cheat.

 

[adonski]

Rumours swirling he is going to request a trade to Victoria to be further away from family