Lachie Neale could be set to request a trade from Brisbane after the Lions were knocked out of the 2021 finals series in straight sets.
Ryan Daniels ofย 7 News Perth is reporting that Neale could seek a move back to Fremantle of all places. The report says that Neale and his wife are keen on raising their family in Western Australia.
Daniels says that Neale's reasons for leaving would be purely family based.
"Lachie Neale is weighing up his playing future," Daniels tweeted.
"(He) looks set to request a trade from the Brisbane Lions back to the Fremantle Dockers.
"Itโs understood Neale and wife Jules are keen to raise their family in WA.
Breaking.
Lachie Neale is weighing up his playing future - and looks set to request a trade from the @brisbanelions back to the @freodockers.
Itโs understood Neale and wife Jules are keen to raise their family in WA.@7AFL @7NewsPerth
— Ryan Daniels (@FootyRhino) September 5, 2021
"The clubs would need to work through a suitable trade, given Neale is under contract."
The 2020 Brownlow medalist is contracted through until the end of 2023 meaning the Dockers will likely be forced to offer Brisbane multiple assets, whether that be draft capital or players.
Fremantle could acquire an early first-round draft pick from Carlton who are keen on bringing home Adam Cerra after the midfielder requested a trade back to Victoria.
The Blues currently hold pick 6 which could be on-traded to Brisbane in a deal for Neale.
Neale is from South Australia originally but his partner is from Perth and is keen to return home with the couple set to welcome their first child soon.
Neale left Fremantle at the end of 2018 after playing 135 games for the Dockers.
