Lachie Neale has sealed his high-profile switch to Collingwood, with Brisbane teasing the dual Brownlow medallist on his way out the door.
The AFL approved Neale signing a three-year deal with the Magpies on Friday afternoon, closing out the first day of free agency.
The 33-year-old ball-winner leaves as an unrestricted free agent after the Lions clinched a third-straight flag with their stunning seven-point grand final victory over Fremantle.
Brisbane chairman Andrew Wellington poked fun at Neale’s switch to the “dark side” at the club’s best and fairest event, where he finished third behind Will Ashcroft and Josh Dunkley.
“Take a last look at Lachie, because he’s going tomorrow to have some teeth removed and a bit more ink,” Wellington joked on Thursday night, drawing laughter from the crowd.
Departing coach Chris Fagan hailed Neale’s perseverance after stepping down as captain in January following the public breakdown of his marriage and almost missing the grand final through suspension.
“As we all know, he’s been under a fair bit of pressure, but it’s never shown out on the field,” Fagan said.
“[We] wish you all the best at your new club and with the rest of your life and whatever happens to you.”
The Lions have been handed a second-round draft compensation — currently pick number 39 — with Neale reportedly raking in about $900,000 a season.
Toby Greene has signed a three-year deal with Geelong. (Getty Images: AFL Photos/Jason McCawley)
Earlier, Toby Greene became the first major AFL free agency domino to fall, with Greater Western Sydney to receive a second-round draft pick for losing their former captain to Geelong.
The Cats lodged paperwork on Friday to land the inaugural Giant as an unrestricted free agent.
Greene, a triple All Australian and dual club champion, booted 450 goals across his 15-year, 282-game tenure for GWS.
The 33-year-old cited family reasons for returning to his native Victoria and reuniting with his close mate and former Giants forward Jeremy Cameron at the Cattery on a lucrative three-year deal.
The Giants will receive a second-round draft selection as compensation, currently slated at number 26.
Earlier, key forward Joel Amartey’s switch from Sydney to Carlton was confirmed as the free agency period opened.
The Swans will receive draft compensation for losing the unrestricted 27-year-old, who was an emergency during finals after failing to convince coach Dean Cox following a partial Achilles tear.
Melbourne’s 2021 premiership vice-captain Jack Viney is poised for a move with two years remaining on his contract after meeting with West Coast.
After being sidelined through injury for all but one game this season, the 32-year-old was told by coach Steven King there would likely be limited opportunities for him in the Demons midfield.
“Footy’s gone that way mate,” Viney told 10 News at Perth Airport on Thursday.
“So took a bit to process early days, but we’re here now, so we’ll make the best of the opportunity … it [a deal] will get done.”
Young Hawthorn forward Calsher Dear, meanwhile, has opted to stay at the Hawks on a two-year deal after weighing up a potential move to the Dees.
The 21-year-old, son of late 1991 Norm Smith medallist Paul Dear, burst onto the scene in his debut season with 25 goals from 17 appearances in 2024.
But the emerging tall has struggled to hold his spot through injury and internal competition, adding just 14 games in 2025 and 2026.
“We are very excited about what the future holds for Calsher with a strong pre-season under his belt and greater continuity into 2027 and beyond,” Hawks list manager Mark McKenzie said.
Hawthorn’s key forward selection squeeze is set to worsen in 2027, with Gold Coast’s restricted free agent Ben King expected to join Jack Gunston, Mitch Lewis, Mabior Chol and Dear.
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