{
  "id": 10826142,
  "title": "Neale set to join Magpies as Lions confirm exit",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/30/neale-set-to-join-magpies-as-lions-confirm-exit",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-30T01:40:50.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "ABC News AU",
    "slug": "abc-news-au",
    "url": "https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-09-30/afl-lachie-neale-collingwood-magpies-brisbane-lions/107211164"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Brisbane Lions have announced that three-time premiership player Lachie Neale will be departing the club as an unrestricted free agent. Collingwood Magpies are set to welcome him once the AFL trade and free agency window opens on Friday. Neale, a four-time All-Australian selection, has been with the Lions for eight seasons, winning two Brownlow Medals in 2020 and 2023. He moved to the Lions from the West Coast Eagles in 2018 and played 186 senior matches for the club, including his role in securing the 2022 premiership. Lions list manager Dom Ambrogio expressed gratitude to Neale for his contributions over the years, while the Magpies stated they are eager to welcome him upon the commencement of free agency proceedings.",
  "summary": "Collingwood says it \"looks forward\" to Lachie Neale joining the club in 2027 after it is announced he is leaving the Brisbane Lions.",
  "key_points": [
    "Lachie Neale, three-time premiership player, departing Brisbane Lions",
    "Collingwood Magpies set to welcome Neale in free agency window",
    "Neale played 186 senior matches for Lions, won two Brownlow Medals"
  ],
  "editors_take": "Lachie Neale's departure from the Lions and impending move to the Magpies marks a significant gain for Collingwood and a loss for Brisbane, ending an eight-season tenure with the Lions.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 4,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "The Sydney Morning Herald",
        "title": "One day after public flag celebrations Neale tells Lions: ‘Make me a Magpie’",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/29/one-day-after-public-flag-celebrations-neale-tells-lions-make-me-a-10803204",
        "published": "2026-09-29T23:00:59.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "The Age",
        "title": "One day after public flag celebrations Neale tells Lions: ‘Make me a Magpie’",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/29/one-day-after-public-flag-celebrations-neale-tells-lions-make-me-a",
        "published": "2026-09-29T23:00:59.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "ABC News",
        "title": "Neale set to join Magpies as Lions confirm exit",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/30/neale-set-to-join-magpies-as-lions-confirm-exit-10831272",
        "published": "2026-09-30T01:40:50.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}