Geelong legend responds after rival AFL club’s staggering $3 million offer for Lachie Neale
The Brisbane Lions star could be offered a monster deal from Collingwood.
Geelong great Jimmy Bartel reckons Brisbane Lions star Lachie Neale would be a huge signing for Collingwood and backed the Pies reportedly offering him a staggering $3 million. There has been plenty of speculation around Neale’s next move with suggestions he could leave Brisbane for a rival AFL club.
The 33-year-old Lions star is off-contract after this season with the midfielder linked to a number of big clubs in recent months. Neale stepped down as Lions co-captain after a tumultuous off-season in his personal life.
Geelong great Jimmy Bartel has praised Collingwood’s reported bid for Brisbane Lions star Lachie Neale (pictured left) suggesting he would be a huge signing. (Getty Images)
Jules and the kids have moved back to Perth, where she’s originally from before they relocated to Brisbane when Lachie signed with the Lions. Neale is without a contract and many have speculated he’ll look to join either West Coast or Fremantle as a free agent to be closer to his kids
However the links have changed in recent weeks with the Lions star now the target of Collingwood. Speaking on Fox Sports’ ‘On The Couch’ program on Monday night, Jon Ralph said Collingwood are set to make a $3 million offer for three years, which has blown clubs out of the water.
Fremantle can’t compete with the offer with Collingwood now strong favourites to sign Neale, according to The Herald Sun reporter. Magpies fans would be thrilled to see Neale line-up alongside Nick Daicos in the midfield.
While Collingwood already have a veteran squad, with suggestions younger talent is needed, few could turn down the signing of Neale. And Geelong great Bartel said it would be a monster signing to get a premiership winner in the squad regardless of his age.
“It would be fantastic if he plays out his career in Brisbane. But if you add Lachie Neale into any midfield, don’t worry about the age, he’s still at his absolute best in footy,” Bartel said on ‘Footy Classified’. “I wouldn’t put it past him, whatever three-year deal, wherever he plays, he’ll play those three years up near the pointy end, I’m talking of AFL mids.”
“It doesn’t cost them, I actually understand this…they can have their cake and eat it too. You can still bring younger players into the club…this is a free agent you can add to your list,” he added.
Chris Fagan lifts lid on Lachie Neale situation
Speaking on SEN Radio, Brisbane Lions coach admitted it would surprise him if Neale moved to a Melbourne team. Although he said he doesn’t get involved in the decisions outside of footy.
“That would be a bit of a head-scratcher for me, but it’s his business…I don’t like getting involved too much in these personal decisions.”