‘Preferred outcome’: Shock claim over Neale’s AFL future despite family pull in free agency

Lachie Neale’s “preferred outcome” is reportedly to reject free agency and remain at Brisbane.

That’s according to Herald Sun and Fox Footy reporter Jon Ralph, who explained on Monday night that both Neale and the Lions are “very much trying to make it work” amid complicated off-field dynamics.

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The dual Brownlow medallist, 32, comes out of contract at Brisbane this year and is eligible for free agency.

However, while many believe the superstar midfielder will carefully consider rival overtures this October, Ralph reports the “accepted wisdom” might not be the way it ultimately plays out.

“The accepted wisdom is that he will play out the season, he’ll jump on a plane, and he’ll be playing for a WA-based club next season,” Ralph began on Fox Footy’s On the Couch.

“I can tell you tonight that Neale’s preferred outcome is very much playing at this football club next season.

“It will require a supreme juggling act, it will require him to, of course, see his kids across this season — that’s going to be challenging — but Brisbane and Neale are very much trying to make it work until the end of the season, after his marriage break-up.

“So, he’ll spend time with his daughter across the next couple of weeks, he’ll spend the Round 2 bye in Perth, there’s a nine-day break after Gather Round — so, there are possibilities there.”

Neale stood down from Brisbane’s co-captaincy after back-to-back years leading the Lions to premierships, following a public marriage collapse with wife Jules, who has since relocated to Perth with their two young children.

Brisbane coach Chris Fagan said this off-season that he and the club wouldn’t begrudge Neale if he exercised his free agency rights, remarking: “We’re not going to hold anyone to ransom.”

In recent days, Fremantle coach Justin Longmuir admitted “I wouldn’t say I wouldn’t entertain it” when probed on the Dockers’ potential pursuit of a Neale reunion.

The 294-gamer Glenelg product played his first 135 AFL matches at Fremantle before seeking a move to Queensland at the end of the 2018 season.

“Brisbane has told him that they will make it effortless for him to play with a WA-based side next year if that’s what he wants,” Ralph continued on Fox Footy.

“It was Neale who actually approached his old club, Fremantle, at the end of 2021 when he was considering coming back — he was the one that approached them.

“Certainly, it did not end on fantastic terms with that football club, but they’re aware of the fact that he is a potential candidate for them next year. West Coast would likely blow them out of the water with a superior financial offer.

“Right now, all options open — staying, going, even potentially retiring. But until he’s shown that the current situation can’t work, I think he is still really open to staying with Brisbane next year.”