Whispers have emerged surrounding Christian Petracca’s future after a difficult first season at the Suns, plus a development in the Zak Butters trade saga and Lachie Neale reportedly makes a call on his future.
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Dual Brownlow medallist Lachie Neale will be at Collingwood next year – unless Brisbane comes with a massive last-ditch offer.
Seven’s Tom Morris reports the 33-year-old is expected to sign a lucrative three-year deal rather than remaining with the back-to-back premiers, or heading back to Perth to be closer to family.
“My understanding is that Lachie Neale has made up his mind,” Morris said on Seven News.
“Barring a late godfather offer from Brisbane that none of us think is coming, he will be playing for Collingwood next year on a three-year deal.”
“West Coast ended up offering a deal that was nowhere near what the Pies have offered, but it will be Collingwood where he is in 2027, 2028 and 2029, with confirmation – I expect – to come in the days after Brisbane’s season finishes.
“He is, of course, in the midst of a Brisbane finals campaign and the public line will remain the same, that he is focusing on his football and hasn’t made up his mind yet.
PETRACCA WHISPERS EMERGE AFTER SUNS SLIDE
Rival clubs believe Christian Petracca and Gold Coast are open to a split, just one year into the Norm Smith medallist’s stint on the glitter strip.
After a strong start to the season for Petracca and the Suns, their campaign quickly unravelled as Gold Coast suffered 10 consecutive losses and eventually finished 13th on the ladder.
Earlier on Tuesday SEN’s Sam Edmund has revealed “whispers” are beginning to emerge around Petracca’s future amid reported tension between the star midfielder and the club.
Now Seven’s Xander McGuire has backed up the report.
“Three independent clubs have told Seven News they believe there is an openness between Gold Coast and Petracca to explore other options going forward,” he said.
