- Star is about to play his 300th AFL game
Lachie Neale has declared his intent to remain at the Brisbane Lions, but admits a decision on his playing future beyond this season is still months away.
The two-time Brownlow medal-winner, who will play his 300th AFL game against Melbourne at the MCG on Sunday, is out of contract at season’s end.
The off-season breakdown of his marriage meant Neale’s children now live in Perth, where he played seven seasons with Fremantle before the shock move east to spearhead the Lions’ charge to back-to-back premierships.
The experienced 32-year-old midfielder has begun this season well and would be a prime addition to a raft of rival clubs.
But he said on Tuesday there was plenty keeping him at Springfield.
‘Family, football, my own happiness, there’s a lot that will go into that,’ he said of what he would weigh up.
Lachie Neale (pictured playing last weekend) has opened up about what his future looks like and cast doubt on a possible move to Perth
Neale (pictured with Jules) is attempting to move on after his marriage breakdown became the talk of the footy world
‘I’m nowhere near making a decision yet, but what I do know is I love this football club.
‘I’ll probably try and do everything I can to stay, but if not … we’ll weigh that all up over the next three or four months.
‘I want to win premierships every year … next year, or this being my last year, that doesn’t come into it at all.’
Neale, who arrived in 2018, was co-captain for both premierships and is a four-time club best and fairest but has stepped back from leadership duties this year.
‘I’ve been able to really narrow my focus and concentrate a lot on my football over the last few months and put in a lot of work,’ he said.
‘I’ve been very lucky to have great teammates, coaches, support staff around the club to help me do that as well.
‘Hopefully it’s not (my last year here). Hopefully I’m in a Brisbane jumper until I’m 36.
‘How old’s ‘Zorks’ (Dayne Zorko)? Thirty-seven? See how we go.’
Jules Neale (pictured) has moved on and is carving out a career as an influencer
Neale (pictured) said he will do ‘everything I can to stay’ with the Lions
Midfield partner Josh Dunkley, who along with Hugh McCluggage was promoted to co-captain alongside incumbent Harris Andrews, will play his 200th game on Sunday.
‘All the little things he does … a lot do see it now and recognise it,’ Neale said of Dunkley.
‘But he’s done it for a long time … sort of completes our midfield in a way.
‘Sounds romantic, doesn’t it. It’s no surprise that since he’s come we’ve played in three grand finals in a row.
‘He tries to make his teammates the best player on the ground and that’s a special trait for someone who could go and get 35 (touches) … he’s happy to do all the dirty work.’
