Fagan reveals how off-field issues have impacted Neale's 2026 prep

Despite his well-documented personal issues through the off-season, Lachie Neale is in the best shape he has been for years, according to Brisbane Lions coach Chris Fagan.

The 32-year-old, who stood down as Lions co-captain earlier this month, is widely expected to seek a move to West Coast or a return to the Dockers in a bid to remain close to his family.

Fagan has already said he would not stand in the Neale’s way should he seek a club switch.

Joining the SEN Fireball team for the first show of the year, Fagan was asked how the increased media attention and relentless reporting on Neale has impacted the club’s preparation.

“As far as I feel, I’m pragmatic about it,” Fagan said. “I didn’t know anything about it until the verge of Christmas.

“We had a break and we spoke with Lachie on the phone a lot about how to move forward. It hasn’t impacted things too much; it’s not like we all sit around talking about it.

“Lachie has had his best pre-season in a long while; this year he has had no injury, so has been able to train fully and is in the best shape he’s been in in ages.

“He is in a good place football-wise; he has a lot going on personally, but seems to be coping pretty well.”

Incredibly, the Lions appear to have improved their team even more since winning their second consecutive flag.

Obviously, talk of a three-peat has started, but in true Fagan style, he won’t get ahead of himself.

“I hope so, but you don’t know,” he said when asked if he felt the additions to his squad would only make them an even bigger threat.

“Oscar Allen will add a lot to our forward line. I think we can get to the same standard we have been for the last couple of years or go past it. But you don’t know until it starts.”

With Neale standing down as captain, the club remains undecided if it will continue with the co-captaincy set up, go with Harris Andrews as a standalone or even consider sharing the role between three players.

“We will have a player vote middle to late February and that will give us an indication,” Fagan said.

“Harris Andrews could easily be captain on his own. I am not a fan of the two-captain model but since we have had it, we have been successful. I don’t know if I want one or two.

“If it’s two, then you look at Hugh McCluggage and Josh Dunkley and gee it’s hard to spit those to blokes.

“I’ll never hear the end of it if it’s three, but it’ll give everyone something to talk about.”

Brisbane begins their premiership defence with an Opening Round clash against the Western Bulldogs on Saturday, March 7.