Brisbane star Lachie Neale wants to remain with the Lions beyond this season, but says he’s “nowhere near” making a final decision about his future.
With the dual Brownlow medallist’s Brisbane contract expiring at the completion of the Lions’ 2026 campaign, there has been ongoing speculation that the 32-year-old former Fremantle midfielder will return to Western Australia to be closer to his children following the breakdown of his marriage.
However, ahead of his 300th AFL appearance on Sunday when the Lions meet Melbourne at the MCG, Neale has declared his preference to sign a new deal with the back-to-back premiers.
“(I’m) nowhere near making a decision yet, but what I do know is I love this football club,” Neale said.
“I’ll probably try to do everything I can to stay, but if not … we will weigh all that up over the next three or four months.”
Neale said “family”, “football” and his “own happiness” would be key factors in deciding where he would play next season.
“There’s a lot that will go into that,” he said.
“I want to win premierships every year, and next year or this (maybe) being my last year (with Brisbane), that doesn’t come into it all.
“Hopefully it’s not. Hopefully I’m in a Brisbane jumper until I’m 36. How old is ‘Zorks’ (Lions stalwart Dayne Zorko)? 37 … I’ll see how I go.
“I set myself up in the off-season and pre-season to have a strong year, and the body feels great, so hopefully I’ve got a few years left yet.”
Neale – who produced a best-on-ground performance in Brisbane’s Gather Round win over North Melbourne – was thrilled that his family would be at the MCG this weekend for his milestone game.
“I’ll soak up this week with my family. It means a lot. It’ll probably be a little bit emotional this week,” he said.
Neale was also happy to share the occasion with Lions co-captain Josh Dunkley, who will make his 200th AFL appearance on Sunday.
“To share it with ‘Dunks’, it’s a special honour. He’s my favourite teammate I’ve ever played with, so to run out with him in a joint milestone will be a really special day, and hopefully we can get a win for it,” he said.
“We love going back to the MCG. (It will be) the first time since the (2025) grand final.
“That’ll bring back some good memories when we walk into the rooms, but then we’ll have to switch on and try to get the job done.
“We’re coming up against A side that have played some really good footy there as well, so the Demons are going to be hard to beat.”
