Lachie Neale has reportedly decided to join Collingwood when his Brisbane contract expires on November 1.
The two-time premiership winner has been the subject of significant speculation in recent weeks, both on and off the pitch.
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He still has a chance to lead Brisbane to a third consecutive premiership but it appears his future lies away from Queensland.
According to Channel 7’s Tom Morris, Neale has decided to join Collingwood.
He reports that barring a late mammoth offer from Brisbane, Neale will be joining the Pies.
It is believed West Coast also presented a deal to the 33-year-old, offering him a chance to move to Perth where he could have been closer to his children, who live in the city with his ex-wife Jules.
Neale has been tipped to leave Brisbane in recent weeks with Collingwood always the frontrunners.
It has now been claimed he has agreed a three-year contract with the AFL giants, having visited the club just last month.
His tour of the Pies facilities after Brisbane were beaten by Carlton sparked controversy.
Lions coach Chris Fagan says it would have been “nicer” if Neale had informed him of the visit beforehand.
“He hadn’t spoken to me about it, so I wasn’t aware,” Fagan said.
“He doesn’t have to do that. It’d be nicer if he would, then you don’t get caught by surprise, but that’s the way it is.”
Kane Cornes was critical of the move, suggesting his actions will likely irritate his teammates.
“I have a big issue with it, and I need to say this, I’m a Lachie fan, I think he’s terrific, a superstar player, but I think now it’s become a little bit too much about Lachie,” Cornes said on Channel 7.
“I think to tour a club’s facilities, you don’t need to tour a club’s facilities. A pool’s a pool, right? And these players use these outside facilities as well to recover.
“He knows Collingwood’s facilities are pretty good. I think this is rubbing Brisbane’s nose in it a little bit.
“And if I was Chris Fagan, if I was Danny Daly, if I was senior teammates of Lachie’s, I’d be pretty upset about this, that it’s become a bit too much about Lachie.
“Last time it was with Ross (Lyon) … It was a big story the day after a game. Now it’s the day before.
“And this is a club that has been very, very good to Lachie. He’s been good to them.
“They were really supportive of his personal stuff at the early stages of this year. Chris Fagan has been so good to him.
“You are in rare air if you win three premierships in a row. My sole focus would be on how can I help this team go to immortal status and win three in a row to join ‘01, ‘02, ‘03 in that club. Not meeting with other clubs the day before a game.”
Originally published as Lachie Neale decides next club following weeks of speculation he could leave Brisbane Lions