Collingwood ‘ramp up’ interest in Lachie Neale after missing out on signing 21-year-old star

The Pies are one of a number of teams interested in the Brisbane Lions champion.

Collingwood’s interest in Lachie Neale has reportedly “ramped up” in the wake of George Wardlaw signing an extension to stay at North Melbourne. The 21-year-old Wardlaw was on the Pies’ radar to pair with Nick Daicos in the midfield.

But Wardlaw agreed to a new deal with the Kangaroos last week, meaning Collingwood have had to change their plans. The Pies are one of a number of clubs keen on Zak Butters, who has now reportedly received a whopping $18 million offer from Richmond for eight years.

And Craig McRae’s side are one of the clubs in on Neale if he decides to leave Brisbane. The Lions premiership winner is about to be a free agent, and will have to decide where his future lies.

He could return to Western Australia to be closer to his kids, or move home to South Australia. But a number of Victorian clubs are also trying to lure him.

Peter Ryan of The Age reported this week that “Collingwood’s interest in Lachie Neale has ramped up since North Melbourne re-signed George Wardlaw last week, such is their need for a big-bodied midfielder to complement Nick Daicos.”

Lachie Neale’s future dependant on Zac Bailey?

Neale’s future at the Lions will largely depend on what happens with Zac Bailey. Cal Twomey of AFL Media reported this week that Brisbane are “expecting” Bailey to be at Adelaide next year, with the Crows and Power both throwing big money at the 26-year-old for a return home to South Australia.

Ryan wrote: “The Bailey decision could influence what the club could offer free agent Neale if he decided to remain in Brisbane.”

Tom Morris of SEN said last week: “From a family perspective (going back to Perth makes sense), but he wants to play in a premiership. I think Collingwood offers more of a chance of that than West Coast for example, and Freo don’t necessarily need him. Adelaide are a chance, absolutely.”