AFL legend Leigh Matthews believes talk of Lachie Neale’s Lions exit is “diabolical” for Brisbane’s team’s spirit amid reports of a move to Collingwood.
The two-time premiership winner, 33, is out of contract at the end of the year and his future has been the topic of intense speculation.
There are suggestions he could return to Perth to be closer to his children, or to South Australia where his parents live.
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But AFL journalist Jon Ralph has now revealed the Pies are in the box seat to land Neale on a three-year deal worth $3 million over three seasons.
And Matthews, who coached Brisbane and Collingwood, has warned the Lions of the impact Neale’s pending departure could have on the club.
“Players are playing into their mid 30s these days, and Lachie Neale’s playing as well as he’s ever played, so I don’t think you’d worry about the age too much to offer him a three-year contract,” Matthews said on Kayo Sports’ On The Couch.
“I’m not quite sure where the Lions sit in the ability to offer him a two or three-year contract, but his form has been great, but the public narrative that Lachie might be leaving and Zac Bailey might be leaving is diabolical for your team spirit I think.
“Absolutely you’d keep him. I don’t think there’s any point about him getting pushed out of the Lions, so forget about that one.
“It’s only a question whether a Collingwood comes in with a much bigger offer, and I don’t know, maybe he wants to play at the MCG and Anzac Day games, I don’t know.
“But all I’m saying is I know it’s modern footy, but it’s a bad narrative if it hits your club that there’s this public debate mid-season, or that these blokes are probably going as Ralphy is actually alluding to.”
Some believe Neale will be tempted to stay by the thought of winning a third premiership with the Lions.
But Matthews feels that is not necessarily a motivating factor for the Brisbane star.
He added: “I think there’s an element once you’ve played in a premiership team, so okay, I’ve got my premiership and Lachie’s got two, that therefore staying where I want to win another premiership is slightly less a priority for some players who’ve never played in a premiership win.
“I think that’s a reasonable scenario to balance as on average.”
Originally published as ‘Diabolical’: Legend erupts as Lachie Neale offer exposed amid uncertain future