Details have emerged regarding a dinner meeting between Brisbane Lions star Lachie Neale and St Kilda coach Ross Lyon. The meeting, described as informal by St Kilda General Manager Lenny Hayes, is fueling speculation about Neale's future with the Lions.
Neale, 33, a key member of the Brisbane Lions' recent premiership-winning teams, has been the subject of transfer rumors since his marriage breakdown and his ex-wife's relocation with their two children to Western Australia. These circumstances have led to suggestions that Neale might seek a move closer to his family.
"Yeah, we caught up with Lachie and it was pretty informal," Hayes told 3AW. "Obviously Ross has got a great relationship with Lachie [from their time together at Fremantle] and has for a number of years and catches up with him quite regularly and it was nice to get the invite. It went well."
Hayes further elaborated that the conversation covered a wide range of topics, including Neale's current situation and the St Kilda club's outlook. "It was quite informal, hearing a bit about where Lachie is at with things and where we think we are at," Hayes said. "We talked about the game more broadly. It is a bit of a shame that it is out in the public domain but times have changed."
While St Kilda's interest has been highlighted by this meeting, Collingwood remains a strong contender to sign the two-time premiership winner if he decides to move back to Victoria. Richmond and Essendon have also reportedly expressed interest.
Outside of Melbourne, Adelaide and Neale's former club Fremantle in Western Australia are also considered serious contenders for his signature. Neale himself has stated that all aspects of his future are under consideration. "I've just got to weigh everything … success, finance, everything that goes along with playing footy. I'm 33 – probably don't have that long left, so yeah, just weighing it all up," he told Fox Footy. "I honestly don't know what I'm going to do. It's 100 per cent the truth – I'm not sure what I'll decide."
Neale stepped down as Brisbane co-captain in January 2026 following his public separation. The Lions are reportedly not giving up on retaining the star midfielder, meaning up to six clubs could be vying for his services next season.