Two-time Brownlow Medallist, three-time premiership player, four-time All-Australian and six-time best-and-fairest winner Lachie Neale has officially made the move from Brisbane to Victorian powerhouse Collingwood.
The deal was approved by the AFL late on Friday afternoon, with the Lions receiving Pick 39 as compensation as Neale joined the Pies as an unrestricted free agent.
Speaking to Collingwood Media, Neale said there were a number of factors that played a part in the 33-year-old joining the Pies.
"I spoke to Collingwood, I'm not really sure when it was maybe halfway through the year. I just loved the ideology of (Craig McRae)," Neale said.
"Watching from afar, it's an impressive group. For me it was a pretty easy decision in the end.
"I've never lived in Victoria but I have got family here. Dad lives in country Vic and Mum is in country SA, so to be closer to them and see them a lot more is super exciting as well.
"It seems like a really tight nit group, not just the players but the whole club. It seems like (McRae) really wants to embrace everyone.
"A real family emphasis as well. I'm looking forward to getting my kids here as well and getting them involved with the club. I know a couple of the other boys have children so to get them mingling with them. 'Fly' is big on that which is important to me."
We officially welcomed Lachie Neale to the Magpie Army today 🤝🖤🤍
He joins us with 321 games of experience, 6 club Best and Fairest awards, 4 All Australian blazers, 3 premierships, and 2 Brownlow Medals. pic.twitter.com/ntet7C4bTQ
— Collingwood FC (@CollingwoodFC) October 2, 2026
Neale joins the Pies on a three-year deal that is reported to be around the $900,000-$1,000,000 per season mark.a
The star on-baller will team up with fellow Brownlow Medallist and arguably best player in the league Nick Daicos in Collingwood's midfield.
The Pies' 2027 on-ball brigade will have the likes of Neale, Daicos, Ed Allan, Jack Crisp, Josh Daicos and possibly Jordan De Goey if he doesn't seek a trade this off-season.
Neale said he was excited to help Collingwood's midfield develop and grow as a group.
"Everyone obviously knows how great Nick is and I'm obviously looking forward to learning off of him. Not sure if I'll be able to, but I'll try teach him a couple of things. We'll see how that goes," he said.
"It's an exciting young group and you saw the experience they got throughout the year. Ed Allan came along with leaps and bounds in the midfield and there'll be others developing underneath.
"For me, a major part of my role will be helping develop those guys and bringing them up to speed with the game and body work and positioning and ball handling and all that sort of stuff so I'm looking forward to getting to work with the young brigade as well and up skill them as quick as I can."
