Brisbane midfielder Lachie Neale has confirmed his exit from the club, informing the Lions on Tuesday that he intends to sign with Collingwood as a free agent.
Neale will sign a three-year deal with the Pies, and has been linked to the Victorian powerhouse throughout the year, according to SEN.
He toured the Pies' facilities in August.
St Kilda, Adelaide, West Coast and Fremantle considered making a play for the dual Brownlow Medallist, but Collingwood's lucrative offer swayed the on-baller.
The Pies had been keen to bolster their midfield stocks, especially since they farewelled club champions, Scott Pendlebury and Steele Sidebottom.
Throughout 2026, Nick Daicos, recent Brownlow Medallist, was a lone wolf at times, with Craig McRae using many names through the midfield.
Neale will help with Collingwood's clearance game, but also help free Daicos on the outside to use his evasiveness and speed.
The Pies will also welcome veteran free agent Jesse Hogan to the club, and are interested in Richmond's Jayden Short and Hawthorn's Calsher Dear.
The midfielder played 186 games for Brisbane, including the last three premierships - two of them as co-captain.
Brisbane has been relatively quiet in regard to player movement following their third consecutive flag.
More to come.
