Neale the common thread in Fremantle and Brisbane's eerie shared history
Fremantle and Brisbane have briefly crossed each other's paths over their three decades in the AFL, never more than when Lachie Neale starred for both clubs.
In the 2013 AFL grand final, Fremantle coach Ross Lyon made a surprising substitution, bringing on Lachie Neale in the fourth quarter. Neale, then 20, played seven disposals but ultimately the game went to an experienced Hawthorn side. Neale would later go on to win three premierships with Brisbane, playing against Fremantle in Brisbane colours in the 2024 grand final.
The two teams share a unique connection, having been formed at the same time in the mid-90s expansion boom, with Fremantle entering the league in 1995 and Brisbane forming as the Bears in 1987. While Fremantle has made the finals 10 times since 2000, Brisbane has made them 14 times, but neither has won a premiership during this period.
Neale, who has played 321 times for Fremantle, has been a key player in both clubs' journeys, with his arrival coinciding with Fremantle's first real period of contention and Neale's move to Brisbane marking a pivotal moment in the Dockers' trajectory to the grand final.
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