The Brisbane Lions have spoken on the recent bombshell report linking Brownlow medallist Lachie Neale to a move back to Western Australia.
Theย 7 Newsย report suggested Neale and his partner are looking to return to WA, with a trade request to Fremantle a likely outcome.
In the wake of the Lions' finals exit following their one-point loss to the Western Bulldogs on Saturday, the news stunned AFL circles.
AFL trade news: Bulldog expected to find new home
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Neale remains to have a further two years left on his current contract with the Lions, prompting some disappointment from the Brisbane faithful to see their star midfielder request a trade after just three seasons in Queensland.
However, when asked about the matter onย Radio TAB,ย Lions football manager Danny Daly revealed the club are yet to confirm the news and speak with Neale directly.
"I think the club will come out and make a statement sometime this afternoon once we've had a chance to speak to Lachie and work through it," Daly said.
"It's all news to us. As far as we're concerned, he's got two years of his contract left and that's where it is at."
Lions powerbrokers are understood to have held an emergency meeting following the shock report, with an official club statement imminent.
Should Neale formally request a return to the Dockers, the Perth club will likely need to hand over a substantial trade package to Brisbane in order to reunite with the ball-magnet.
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Fremantle, who were handed picks 6, 19 and 55 when they bid farewell to Neale in 2018, are set to see gun onballer Adam Cerra depart the purple at this year's trade period.
The 21-year-old is likely to warrant more than a first-round selection, potentially handing the Dockers some trade capital for their bid to land Neale's services.
Cerra has formally requested a trade to Victoria, with Carlton among the clubs most keen on the midfielder.
