Lachie Neale’s plans to return to Western Australia have been complicated after two unexpected clubs emerged as potential destinations, leaving the dual Brownlow medallist’s future with the Brisbane Lions uncertain.
New Clubs Named in Hunt for Lachie Neale
Cal Twomey on the Gettable podcast named Adelaide and St Kilda as additional clubs now looking to recruit the embattled superstar, suggesting the market for Neale has expanded beyond the long-expected Fremantle and West Coast options. Twomey said more clubs will likely get involved and questioned whether Neale wants to finish his career at a club building or at one continuing to challenge for premierships.
Twomey also said Neale is expected to be an unrestricted free agent, which would allow him to sign elsewhere without compensation to his current club.
Perth Return Ambitions Dented by Personal Fallout and Market Shift
Neale’s potential move back to WA had been framed around a desire to be closer to his children after his split from Jules, who has relocated to Western Australia with their two children, Piper and Freddie. The couple’s marriage breakdown and an off-season scandal involving an alleged affair dominated headlines and left the player’s future with the Lions in question.
Despite the tumultuous off-season, the 31-year-old — a back-to-back premiership player, four-time All-Australian and two-time Brownlow medallist — produced a strong on-field start for Brisbane, recording a game-high 39 disposals and eight clearances in the opening match that ended in a tight loss to the Western Bulldogs.
Neale began his career in Perth with Fremantle before moving to Brisbane, and his local ties and previous connections to coaches have been cited as reasons for WA interest. The former couple’s two-storey, five-bedroom home in Seven Hills, Brisbane sold at auction for $3. 2 million as the split played out publicly.
Contract Status, Club Choices and What Comes Next
Neale is out of contract at the end of the 2026 season, and his situation has prompted public discussion about where he might finish his career. While Fremantle and West Coast remain obvious options, the naming of Adelaide and St Kilda has introduced new variables for the Lions midfielder as he weighs whether to return home or stay at a club that has continued to challenge for premierships.
The immediate timeline will hinge on how the next few months unfold, with attention on whether Neale will exercise free-agency options or remain with Brisbane. For now, his early-season form confirms he remains a high-impact player even as off-field events and a widening trade market complicate decision-making.
Further clarity is expected as the season progresses and the player’s contract window approaches; until then, the expanding list of suitors has dimmed the certainty of a simple Perth homecoming.
