Brisbane is eyeing Fremantle star Lachie Neale and will give up top draft pick to get the deal done

BRISBANE’S top pick at this year’s national draft is in play as trade bait for Fremantle star Lachie Neale with the Lions looking to add the Dockers ball-magnet to a burgeoning midfield.

BRISBANE’S No.5 pick at this year’s national draft is in play as trade bait for Fremantle star Lachie Neale.

The prolific Dockers midfielder is firmly in the sights of the Lions who understand that they may have to part with their top pick in any trade with the WA club.

The 25-year-old is at the peak of his footballing powers and would be an outstanding addition to the Lions midfield that already contains A-graders Dayne Beams and Dayne Zorko along with young guns Hugh McCluggage, Jarrod Berry and Cameron Rayner.

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Neale – who is part of the Dockers leadership group – won Fremantle’s best-and-fairest gong in 2016 and is set to win it again in 2018. He was runner-up in 2017.

The South Australian has also made a habit of winning the best-on-ground medal in the fierce Western Derby matches against West Coast.

He has made the wider 40-man All-Australian squad on three occasions and is off contract at the end of 2019 when he will be a restricted free agent.

Lachie Neale in action for Fremantle.

Brisbane officials were tight-lipped after Melbourne radio first reported the possible link between the Lions and Neale.

It is understood Neale is open to the idea of heading east but Fremantle will demand a high price as the midfielder is the kind of player that can be part of the foundation for a rebuild.

Fremantle is two seasons into their rebuild and superstar skipper Nat Fyfe cannot do it all by himself.

The Dockers received pick No.2 in last year’s draft from the Gold Coast in a trade for midfielder Lachie Weller.

Neale is a much better player than Weller and Fremantle would demand Brisbane’s first-round selection as a starting point in any possible trade for the on-baller.

Lachie Neale tries to fend off Dustin Martin.

The Lions’ first pick at the national draft will slide out to No.5 after the Gold Coast gets a compensation pick for losing key forward Tom Lynch and they could be willing to part with it to get a player of Neale’s calibre.

Meanwhile, Beams has rejected speculation he is seeking a trade to a Melbourne club.

“After having our exit meetings earlier this week, I thought it was a good time to let everybody know I won’t be going anywhere. I love the coach, the playing group, and am excited about where this footy club is headed,” Beams said.

“I have never asked for a trade away from the Lions and would like to put an end to any speculation over my playing future. I will be seeing out my contract here.”

Originally published as Brisbane is eyeing Fremantle star Lachie Neale and will give up top draft pick to get the deal done