Dual Brownlow Medallist Lachie Neale says he “honestly doesn’t know” where he’ll end up next year as the out-of-contract star weighs up his future in Brisbane.

Neale remains one of the biggest names yet to decide where they’ll play in 2026, with reports he’s in demand at a host of Victorian clubs while family ties link him to both South Australia and Western Australia.

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Speaking to Fox Footy after side’s thrilling win over Geelong on Thursday night, Neale was adamant he was yet to make a final decision.

“I’ve just got to weigh everything… success, finance, everything that goes along with playing footy. I’m 33 – probably don’t have that long left, so yeah, just weighing it all up,” he said.

“I honestly don’t know what I’m going to do.

“It’s 100% the truth – I’m not sure what I’ll decide.”

Neale said while contract talk was happening, he remained focused on Brisbane and their push for a three-peat.

Play halted as Neale leaves for HIA | 00:37

“It’s nice to be 33 and feel a little bit wanted,” he started.

“Probably doesn’t happen that often.

“I love my football – I love playing for this footy club. What will be will work itself out over the next sort of six to eight weeks in the back half of the year. I’ll leave Tommy Petroro (his manager) to deal with the most of that.

“If I’m honest, have to go to a couple of meetings (with other clubs) and delve into it a little bit, but it’s more talking about the future and more so post-footy as well. I have those chats with Brisbane too and have caught up with Dom (Ambrogio) and Danny (Daly) a couple of times as well – it’s not just other clubs.

“It’s a bit of a difficult situation that I’m working through … Yeah, work out what the best result is in due time.

“But I love playing for this club – I’m all in at the moment to try and win a third premiership and who knows? I might be back next year as well.

Lyon plays down Neale meeting | 00:51

“Obviously my kids, it’s well-documented are in Perth. I’ve got my family – Dad’s living in Hamilton at the moment. Gets back to Robe on the weekends. If you’ve been there it’s a beautiful place in South Australia. Then Mum and my stepdad are on a farm right on the border of South Australia and Victoria.

“It’s sort of weighing up whether to be closer to them, closer to the kids. Whether I stay in Brisbane and make that work as well – that’s definitely a chance. Like I said love playing here.”

Collingwood are considered frontrunners to secure the dual premiership Lion should a Victoria move eventuate, while St Kilda and Essendon have joined the race since the initial interest from Adelaide and West Coast — while Brisbane still aren’t to be forgotten.

AFL great Jason Dunstall said as long as Neale and fellow out-of-contract star Zac Bailey were putting their best foot forward at the Lions, the speculation shouldn’t matter.

“As long as both Lachie and Zac commit to the club, commit to the training, commit to playing and they are playing their best footy, why can we not be mature and say ‘yeah you’ve got to have these discussions’. Everyone’s got a future to look after,” he said.

“Does it matter if players and their managers are talking to other clubs? You have to at some stage?”

Is 2026 the Lions last dance? | 04:15

Lions great Michael Voss described the Neale meetings with rival clubs as “the norm” in AFL nowadays.

“It’s a normal part of the industry now, I think we have to accept there is some level of that that is happening,” he said.

“So unless there is a restriction of time that’s put in place, then these players you can talk to – and why wouldn’t you want to add someone of his calibre to your football club?

“You’d be silly to not at least have the discussion.”

But Voss said there’s one crucial factor that could sway Neale’s decision.

“I’ll always stay for premierships,” he said.

‘Freo shouldn’t rush Neale decision’ | 01:01

“This is a rare find – to find a special group of players who are playing together … jeez it would be hard to leave.”

Dunstall believes Neale will take all the time he needs on what could be his last AFL deal.

“He’s got to make the most of it. This next contract is it for him,” he said.

“He’s got some big decisions to make.”