Has another club entered the race for an uncontracted Brisbane star?

Should the AFL scrap the draw?

And what are the Lions doing in response to 'whiteboard gate'?

All that and more in media buzz...

Flag fancy wants premiership Lion

Collingwood has shown interest in Brisbane's Lachie Neale amid an uncertain future in Queensland following a tumultuous off-season.

The Pies are in desperate need to bolster its midfield, and Neale has been open regarding a move to be closer to his children, although would remain at the Lions.

The two-time Brownlow Medallist has put off contract talks until later in the year, which are tipped to ramp up around the mid-season bye in Round 15.

Collingwood have been adamant on a new draft approach, but Neale's unrestricted free agency status means the Victorian club can get him for nothing.

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Western Australian clubs are well aware of Neale's situation, while South Australia could also be an option.

Hollands findings to be released in 24-48 hrs

Findings from the investigation regarding Elijah Hollands is set to be finalised in the next 24-48 hours, with findings to come to light.

Hollands suffered a mental health episode a few weeks ago, and has been admitted to hospital as the club, friends and family care for him.

His behaviour did prompt an investigation.

Essendon great says Scott is "50-50" for 2027

The pressure is mounting on Bombers coach Brad Scott, who has only registered one win in 2026.

A favourable stretch of games ahead will have Essendon face cellar dwellers Richmond, West Coast and Carlton in three consecutive weeks, but Matthew Lloyd says if Scott loses those games, he's "50-50" to remain in the hot seat.

"No shock": Carlton captain set to follow Merrett path

Carlton skipper Patrick Cripps is on a similar trajectory to Essendon's Zach Merrett, who requested a trade away from the club despite being captain at the end of last year.

On Footy Classified, the panel discussed Cripps' future, and that the desire for a fresh start, in his home state (WA) could be an appealing prospect.

AFL tipped to introduce 3rd Cat B spot

In a bid to increase Indigenous numbers in the competition, the league is expected to add an additional spot to the Category B Rookie list.

It currently stands at two, but a third vacancy could help improve the dwindling numbers of Indigenous players in the competition according to Channel Seven.

When will the remainder of the 2026 fixture be released?

The AFL is set to release the remainder of the 2026 fixture in two stages, with the first block unveiled following Round 9.

In the past, the league has held off revealing Round 24, but could increase it to the final month of the season in order to ensure primetime fixturing for blockbuster and meaningful contests, writes SEN.

Sydney are tipped to receive more primetime slots.

Premiership coach wants a result

Former West Coast coach Adam Simpson doesn't want to see a draw. He wants a result.

"The extra time - I think it's next score wins," Simpson told SEN's Whateley.

"The ratings on that and the eyes on that, if it was 'here we go, next score wins' (would be extraordinary).

"I think if it's next goal, it could be 15 minutes. Three minutes and three minutes... that's just footy. I want to see next score wins.

"Why wouldn't you do it? Is it the history piece? I just think it would be a rating bonanza, and people would just embrace it. When the word is out that it's a draw, here we go.

"The two minute drills you train at training, 'we're in next score wins mode guys'. You don't want to go all out attack, but you also don't want to go all out defence.

 

"I think it would be pretty cool to see."

Brisbane take action following whiteboard gate

The Lions will now frost the glass inside its training base to protect the intellectual property of the club following 'whiteboard gate'.

A photo of the club's opposition analysis made its way around the competition.

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