Brisbane Lions modern marvel Lachie Neale has confirmed his exit from the Brisbane Lions, speaking candidly about his tenure in the River City after the full-time siren.
The Lions kicked four goals in four minutes to absolutely steal the premiership cup from the devastated Dockers' grasp. For just the fourth time in V/AFL history, the grand final was square at half-time, before the Dockers hit the lead in the third.
The Lions became the second side in 41 years to win a grand final after trailing at three-quarter time, joining the 2009 Geelong Cats.
Neale got himself busy in the last, registering seven of his 20 disposals, having the last laugh after many fans at the ground booed him, and many more on social media voiced their initial joy with his suspension, and disgust when it was overturned.
Speaking to broadcaster Channel 7's Abbey Holmes, post-match, Neale said his time with the Lions was the "best eight years of his life".
"It just doesn't feel real at the moment but I'm sure it'll sink in," Neale said.
"I've just absolutely loved my time with this footy club. They're an exceptional organisation from top to bottom and I can't thank them enough for the last eight years.
"It's been an incredible ride, the best eight years of my life and to finish it with three premierships is something, as a kid, I never would've dreamed of.
"I'm sure they're going to keep competing, it's the club that they are and the people that they've got around, and the players that they've got as well.
"I love this group and I'm going to miss them very much."
Neale is heavily tipped to join rivals Collingwood on a three-year deal as an unrestricted free agent.
Meanwhile, coach Chris Fagan refused to put to bed speculation around his coaching future, after again re-writing his own record as the oldest premiership coach in V/AFL history.
"I'm going to have a think about this week," he told the broadcast.
"I've been doing it for 10 years - it's a hard job.
"I'll think about it. I need a few days just to clear my head and make a decision.
"It's not locked in. As I said, I've been doing it for 10 years - it's a very taxing job, being an AFL coach. It takes a bit out of you.
"I've always wanted to be able to make a decision, to leave at the right time - not to wait until I have a couple of bad years and get the boot, so thats what I'm going to think about."
