Why family ties could convince Lachie Neale to choose the Pies or Saints

July 1, 2026 — 6:49pm

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Ever since Collingwood were confirmed as a potential destination for Lachie Neale next year, heads have been scratched about why the dual Brownlow medallist would choose to be in Melbourne when the wife he separated from over summer and their kids have returned to the other side of the Nullarbor.

The distance between Perth and Brisbane is greater than the diameter of the moon. Melbourne is closer but still a four-hour flight. So why would Neale move to the southern metropolis – for either Collingwood or St Kilda (who reportedly are meeting with him this weekend) – when he could be in Perth, where Jules Neale has moved back to be closer to her family?

One factor that has been overlooked is the fact that Neale’s parents reside much nearer to Melbourne than Perth, or Brisbane, and, in one case, even closer than Adelaide (the Crows are another interested party).

Neale’s father Robbie, a highly capable country footballer in........

© The Sydney Morning Herald