Lachie Neale is a Magpie. Here’s what it means for Collingwood, Brisbane and your 2027 AFL Fantasy and SuperCoach side.
Three premierships. Two Brownlows. He’s 33 and still ranked #2 in the AFL for centre clearances, sitting behind only Matt Rowell. Now he lands at a Collingwood side that’s one of the worst clearance teams in the league.
I break down why this move is really about Nick Daicos, and why Brisbane will feel Neale’s absence more than most people think (it still doesn’t rule them out of a four-peat).
Then the fantasy verdict. Hugh McCluggage is my big winner. His inside mid CBAs dropped to 40% in 2026, down from 70% in his All-Australian 2025. Expect him back on the inside. I also forecast Neale’s 2027 scoring and explain why he’s off my classic starting squad.
