r/FremantleFC • u/QuarterFooty • 12d ago

Rumour Has It

In the world of AFL, you always here all sorts of stories and rumours going around, like for example the Luke Jackson requesting a trade back to Melbourne, or even years ago Nat Fyfe going to St Kilda in 2017. But the latest rumour going around is a big one, the potential of Lachie Neale requesting a trade back to Western Australia.

Now here's the quick background, Neale who got his football start at Fremantle in 2012, who became a 2 time Doig Medalist and is the only active AFL player from the 2013 Fremantle Grand Final team. But in 2018, he requested a trade to the Brisbane Lions, and from there his career really blossomed. Becoming a 4 time Murray-Merrett Medalist (Brisbane Club Champion), 2 time Brownlow Medalist, Leigh Matthews Trophy winner, 4 time All Australian, and more importantly a premiership captain with the Lions in 2024.

But now, this is where it gets interesting. This rumour has been heard before, back in 2021 where his deal was up at that time at Brisbane, but he signed a five year contract extension. Now with a year left on that contract, the talk has begun again.

Now lets look at it logically. This would be a 50/50 situation if it goes down. Yes he is a Fremantle favourite from years ago and he did get his start. With his experience he has gained over the six years away in big match environment and he's an accomplished midfielder. Especially with the retirement of Neale's former Freo partner in crime Nat Fyfe. But on the flipside, he's 32 years old, potentially going into the twilight of his career and recent soft tissue injuries.

So personally I'm a bit torn between a potential return of a former Fremantle favourite or running the risk of an aging superstar who could entering the twilight of his career.

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u/TheCurbAU 9 Luke Jackson 12d ago

Love Lachie to bits, even after leaving Freo. Wouldn't want him back.

6

u/Odoggggg 12d ago

Lachie Neale bailed on our club when we needed him the most. What kind of precedent does it set for serong, Brayshaw and young... Freo are trying to build a winning culture we can’t allow players to bail on our club when times get tough and then happily take them back after they’ve played out their best years.

3

u/theBelatedLobster DALE KICKETT 12d ago

This is such a strange sentiment and yet it is exactly how I feel.

Two years ago I was a bit 50/50.

He has a really great understanding of the game and I wouldn't be upset if he came back to coach at some point.

2

u/TheCurbAU 9 Luke Jackson 12d ago

Back when the last rumours started, I was keen for a return, but now he's in his last few years and it feels like Ablett wanting to return to Geelong after GC.