Lions coach Chris Fagan hints at changing role for Lachie Neale should dual Brownlow medallist remain in Brisbane

Lions coach Chris Fagan has hinted that star midfielder Lachie Neale could spend time in Brisbane’s forward line should he remain with the back-to-back premiers beyond this season. Neale, who turns 33 next month, is set to make his 300th AFL appearance on Sunday in Brisbane’s battle with Melbourne at the MCG. The dual Brownlow medallist has defied an off-season of personal turmoil to start the Lions’ 2026 campaign in good form, including a best-on-ground display in Brisbane’s win over North Melbourne last Saturday. However, Neale’s future beyond this season remains up in the air. The off-contract onballer said earlier this week that his preference would be to sign a new Brisbane deal. However, the former Fremantle star could decide to return to Western Australia to be closer to his children following the breakdown of his marriage. “I’m very, very hopeful that if he doesn’t make the choice to go back to Perth to be with his nearest family, that he stays with us,” Lions mentor Fagan said on Thursday. “I’m flabbergasted with what he’s been actually able to achieve from an individual perspective, but also the fact that he’s a two-time premiership player as well ... what a career.” Neale has been the dominant figure in Brisbane’s midfield for several years, but with the evolution and presence of a host of other Lions – including the Ashcroft brothers Will and Levi, Hugh McCluggage and Zac Bailey – a changing role could await him should he stay in Brisbane. “Lachie is of the mindset that as he gets older, he’s there to help the younger ones come through too,” Fagan said. “He’s also very aware that as he gets a little bit older, he might have to play a slightly different role than just playing as the bloke that goes in the middle all the time. “He might have to play a little bit forward ... but he’s a clever footballer. I always say a good footballer is a good footballer wherever you put them.” Fagan was hopeful the Lions would retain Neale, but also the in-demand Bailey, who has been linked to offers of up to $1.6 million per season from Collingwood, Essendon and Adelaide. “As a coach, I don’t want the boys to leave for big money,” he said. “I was fortunate enough to be at Hawthorn (as an assistant coach and football manager) for a long time and we won four premierships there. “That’s what the players did, and what they get is everlasting memories and togetherness from achieving great things together. Sometimes that’s more important in life than your bank balance. “I’m not saying money is not important, but there’s a balance in all those things. “What do you want out of sport? Do you want success, or do you want money? That’s, I guess, a constant battle in the in the minds of a lot of young players, particularly the good ones who are getting big offers.”