St Kilda has just made it very clear they want Lachie Neale, taking the superstar 33-year-old free agent out for an “informal” dinner date to speak about a future deal.
Neale recently told his club, the Brisbane Lions, that he wants to explore his options for his next contract, and while Brisbane would be happy to keep him, it’s unlikely they can afford to match some of the seven-figure-a-year deals being swung around in the signing market.
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The Saints are one of several clubs gunning for the two-time Brownlow medallist, with Essendon lining up a meeting. Collingwood also declared interest.
ESPN has also reported that several clubs in Western Australia and South Australia have been putting together selling packages for the 33-year-old, some of which range up to three years for big money.
It may well be a relationship with Ross Lyon that gets a deal done, though.
Neale confirmed he’d met with Lyon and Saints football boss Lenny Hayes on Thursday, after his team beat Geelong 19.9–14.17.
Hayes had the juicy details, telling 3AW soon after: “Yeah, we caught up with Lachie, and it was pretty informal. Obviously, Ross has got a great relationship with Lachie and has for several years and catches up with him quite regularly, and it was nice to get the invite. It went well.”
Collingwood have also been very vocal about keeping their “hat in the ring” for Neale, and were notably the first club to express interest.
One thing that may sway the Lions champion one way or another will be the money. Because it’s likely his last big contract in the AFL and will take him to his mid-30s, he may prioritise a big pay day. The Magpies have already tabled a little over $3 million over three years for him.
Neale’s ex-wife and kids have also moved to Perth; that will be a factor.
For now, the man at the centre is enjoying it. “It’s nice to be 33 and feel a little bit wanted,” Neale told FOX Footy after the Geelong win. “What will be will work itself out over the next six to eight weeks in the back half of the year. I’ll leave [manager] Tommy Petroro to deal with.”
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“I’ve caught up with Dom [Ambrosio] and Danny [Daly] as well, so it’s not just other clubs. It’s a bit of a different situation I’m working through, and we’ll work out the best result in due time.
“I love playing for this club,” the high-profile free agent added. “I’m all in at the moment, trying to win a third premiership.
“And, who knows? I might be back next year as well.”
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