Brisbane Lions star Lachie Neale could make a shock move to South Australia next season, with his parents emerging as a significant factor. The 32-year-old midfielder will become a free agent at the end of the year, and it was widely anticipated that he would join either West Coast or return to Fremantle to be nearer to his two children, Piper and Freddie.
This follows Jules Neale relocating to Western Australia after the couple's marriage ended. The footy star previously admitted his 'actions let down those who are closest to me.' Speaking on Fox Footy's Midweek Tackle, journalist Jon Ralph revealed that both Port Adelaide and the Adelaide Crows would be keen to have Neale on their books.
In what may prove a crucial factor, Neale's parents reside in Robe, South Australia, approximately 300 kilometres south of Adelaide. 'August is D-Day, he'll assess all of the clubs who are interested in him — and you'd say 'why would a club other than those two states (Queensland and WA) have a chance?'' Ralph began.
'Well, the issue is that his parents ferry his young kids across the country when he does see them, and that's been quite regularly, but he hasn't really got a lot of family or help in Brisbane. I think there are clubs in Adelaide that would say 'OK, his parents live in Robe (in South Australia), so three or four hours south (of Adelaide), and if it was that we could offer him a deal that might satisfy him, he's close by to Perth, where he's only got his immediate family, what about if, say, an Adelaide or Port said 'two years at $750,000'?'
Panellist Scott Gullan agreed Neale's signature would be a coup for either SA club. 'Adelaide's got issues around the ball, as we know,' he said. 'He's still an amazing athlete… ultimate professional, leadership – I'd have two years, pay him what he wants, get him to Adelaide... it makes sense.'
Neale – a two-time Brownlow Medallist – has been a frequent flyer to Perth in recent months to see his children when his playing schedule permits. Gullan suggested it is 'not sustainable for another year', believing Neale's time at Brisbane is drawing to a close. Lions coach Chris Fagan has also stated 'we are not going to hold anyone to ransom' when quizzed about his former captain's future. Given Neale's last-start 42-disposal display against the Crows, the dual premiership-winning captain will not be short of suitors if he decides to leave the Sunshine State.
