Three-time premiership champ leaves Lions as first AFL dominoes fall
Lachie Neale has officially joined Collingwood, the 33-year-old ending his stellar stint with the Brisbane Lions just a week after winning a third premiership with the club.
Neale joins the Magpies as an unrestricted free agent, following eight years at the Lions and seven at Fremantle.
Moving on: Star midfielder Lachie Neale will soon be on his way to Collingwood. Getty Images
The dual Brownlow medallist arrives at the Pies with a resume including four All Australian selections and six club best and fairest awards to his name - two Doig medals from his time at Fremantle and four Merrett-Murray medals at the Lions.
Neale inked a three-year deal believed to be worth $3 million in total and the Lions received pick 39 as free agency compensation, announced on Friday afternoon.
On the first day of the AFL free agency period, Toby Greene also officially became a Cat, ending a 15-year stint with the Giants stretching back to the club’s maiden season.
The 33-year-old’s move to Geelong as an unrestricted free agent was signed off on Friday morning.
Greene had long been linked with a return to Victoria to be closer to family. He also met with new Bombers coach Mark McVeigh before the Cats emerged as frontrunners.
The Giants confirmed the move in a statement on Friday. The club said Greene leaves behind “an indelible mark on the club’s culture as an inaugural Giant who led the club with passion, care, and an unwavering desire to get the best out of himself and his teammates”.
Named co-captain for 2022, Greene then became sole captain for the 2023 season – a role he has held ever since.
He’s also a two-time Kevin Sheedy Medallist – the Giants’ best-and-fairest award – a four-time All Australian, including captain of the 2023 side, and a four-time club leading goalkicker.
Greene kicked 450 majors in his 282 matches for the Giants to lead the club's all-time list.
Giants legend Toby Greene’s move to the Cats is finally official. via Getty Images
"Toby has been an incredible part of this football club for 15 years and we’ll never lose sight of what he’s given to the Giants," football boss Jason McCartney said.
"While we’re disappointed that his journey with us has come to an end, we’re also incredibly proud of what he achieved and the role he played in helping build this club.
"An inaugural player at the club, Toby arrived at the Giants as a teenager and grew into a remarkable leader who not only performed at the highest level but just as importantly, he helped shape the club into what it is today.
"While again it's difficult to see him go, we respect Toby’s decision to return home to Victoria and we thank him for the enormous contribution he made to the club.
“Toby gave us, our members and fans, so many great memories and he’ll forever be an important part of the club’s history.”
The Giants will receive a second-round draft selection – currently pick 26 – as compensation.
Joel Amartey has signed with the Blues. Getty Images
Greene isn’t the only player heading to Victoria from Sydney after Swans forward Joel Amartey signed with Carlton on a deal worth a reported $700,000 a year.
The 27-year-old kicked 114 goals in 76 games for the Bloods, whose compensation is yet to be finalised.
He missed the end of the year with an Achilles injury.
