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Full Noise by SN
Join our Fantasy SRP leagueTrade talk: Eagles coach “open” to Neale pursuit
SEN • February 11th, 2026 2:15 pm
West Coast coach Andrew McQualter is open to pursuing a move for Brisbane veteran Lachie Neale this off-season.
Neale, who enters unrestricted free agency this off-season, has been linked to a move to Perth following his highly publicised off-field issues.
The two-time Brownlow winner has also been given Brisbane’s blessing to leave to WA should he decide to at season’s end.
With only the Eagles and Dockers potential suitors should that move happen, McQualter says his club will be willing and ready to get as much talent into the club as possible.
"Lachie's had an incredible career. He's an incredible player. So I think that we're always on the lookout for players that will help our team," McQualter told AFL.com.au.
"We'll stay open to that. That's what the industry is and that's what free agency is, but I probably won't comment too publicly on it.
"I think consistently we'll try and get as much talent in the door whichever way we can."
Neale spent the first seven years of his career with Fremantle, playing 135 games in purple.
After moving to Brisbane, he’s become a four-time All-Australian, two-time Brownlow winner and two-time premiership captain.
Despite his off-field woes, Lions coach Chris Fagan says the star midfielder has had his best pre-season in some time.
After stepping away from the captaincy amid his off-field issues, Brisbane will have a player vote this month to decide whether Neale’s former co-captain Harris Andrews continues in the role alone or whether one of his teammates claims the vacant position.
Brisbane begin their quest for back-to-back-to-back flags when they face the Bulldogs at the Gabba during Opening Round on March 7.
