Why Collingwood’s interest in Lachie Neale is growing

Updated June 3, 2026 — 12:13pm,first published June 3, 2026 — 5:00am

Collingwood’s interest in dual Brownlow medallist Lachie Neale has ramped up since North Melbourne re-signed George Wardlaw last week, such is their need for a big-bodied midfielder to complement Nick Daicos.

Neale’s future is linked with that of fellow premiership Lion Zac Bailey, who is a restricted free agent waiting on the club to show what they are prepared to pay to keep him at the ‘Gabba.

Bailey has interest from both South Australian clubs, with competition sources saying the Crows would be prepared to offer him $1.4 million a year to make the move.

The Lions would not necessarily have to match that figure to retain him, but have a difficult decision to make as they have an emerging group of young players who are attractive to other clubs if they show any willingness to leave.

The Bailey decision could influence what the club could offer free agent Neale if he decided to remain in Brisbane. The Magpies were one of a number of clubs interested in Wardlaw, but family will dictate Neale’s decision which is not likely until much later in the season.

Neale’s children are based in Perth with his ex-wife, Jules. Both clubs are possible destinations for the 33-year-old. From Collingwood’s perspective, Neale’s status as a free agent means they would not have to give up draft capital to secure him.

Exciting forward Logan Morris is already on the radar of Tasmania and Victorian clubs as he is due to be out of contract at the end of 2027. He is obviously a required player at the Lions, but no movement to extend him is likely while the season is in progress.

The Lions are also keen to retain midfielder Sam Marshall, but talks have stalled there as the 20-year-old who played in last year’s premiership is desperate to play more senior football, having played just two AFL matches this season as coaches try to iron out some deficiencies in his game.

Essendon will let the dust settle after the sacking of coach Brad Scott before committing to any of the 13 players who remain without contracts beyond this season.

After extending injured forward Archer May, defender/ruck Lachie Blakiston, tough half-forward Archer Day-Wicks, defender Zak Johnson and Lewis Hayes (who suffered another ACL injury on the weekend) beyond 2026 earlier this season they are keeping their options open as the club navigates the year under interim coach Dean Solomon.

Three top-10 picks are among the uncontracted group, with Elijah Tsatas, Archie Perkins and Nik Cox without contracts beyond this season. The other pla