--- title: "De Goey Goes Public: Neale a 'Great Fit' for Pies" description: "Collingwood star Jordan De Goey has openly courted free agent Lachie Neale, declaring the Brownlow medalist an ideal fit for the Magpies." url: https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/lachie-if-you-re-listening-de-goey-s-message-to-pies-tar-12e06e76 published: 2026-07-01T19:53:24.516+00:00 updated: 2026-07-01T19:53:24.516+00:00 author: "Kostadin Stamboliev" publisher: "Pineido" site: "Sportopod" language: en topics: ["soccer"] --- # De Goey Goes Public: Neale a 'Great Fit' for Pies > Collingwood star Jordan De Goey has openly courted free agent Lachie Neale, declaring the Brownlow medalist an ideal fit for the Magpies. Jordan De Goey has escalated the pursuit of Lachie Neale, publicly declaring the Brisbane Lions' Brownlow medalist would be a "great fit" for Collingwood. This direct appeal from a Magpies star injects a new level of intensity into the free agency landscape. De Goey, a prominent figure in Collingwood's lineup, leveraged media platforms to issue an unmistakable "come join us" invitation to Neale. His pitch was not couched in subtlety; it was a clear, open declaration of interest, signaling a strong desire from within the Magpies' camp to secure the services of one of the Australian Football League's most decorated midfielders. This public maneuver moves beyond the usual behind-the-scenes recruitment tactics, placing the onus on Neale in a very visible manner. Neale, currently a key player for the Brisbane Lions, stands as the most sought-after free agent in the current market. His Brownlow Medal attests to his elite status and game-changing ability in the midfield, making him a prime target for any club looking to immediately bolster its engine room. De Goey's unsolicited endorsement underscores the high regard in which Neale is held across the league and, more specifically, within the Collingwood hierarchy, suggesting a concerted effort to attract top-tier talent. The essence of De Goey's message was a straightforward assessment of Neale's potential impact. He conveyed that Neale's proven track record and skill set align perfectly with Collingwood's needs, articulating a vision where the Brisbane champion seamlessly integrates into the Magpies' midfield. This direct, public statement serves as both a compliment to Neale and a clear statement of intent from Collingwood. What's next: De Goey's bold move has undeniably turned up the heat on Neale's impending free agency decision. The public nature of this courtship means all eyes will now be on Neale's response and the subsequent actions of both the Brisbane Lions and Collingwood. This open recruitment strategy could prompt other interested clubs to accelerate their own pitches, setting the stage for a highly competitive and public battle for the signature of the league's biggest free agent. The Magpies have laid their cards on the table, and the ripple effects will be keenly observed across the AFL. ## Why this matters Lachie Neale's status as a Brownlow medalist positions him as the premier free agent in the current market, capable of immediately transforming any club's midfield. Jordan De Goey's public endorsement transcends typical recruitment whispers, signaling a proactive and aggressive intent from Collingwood to bolster their engine room. This isn't merely a teammate's opinion; it's a strategic move that could sway Neale's decision, setting a new precedent for how star players engage in the high-stakes world of player movement. The Magpies' open pursuit highlights their ambition to contend, simultaneously putting other clubs on notice and intensifying the competition for the league's most coveted talent. This public courtship adds significant intrigue to the free agency period, making it a compelling narrative for fans and rivals alike. ## Frequently asked ### Who is Lachie Neale? Lachie Neale is a Brownlow Medal-winning midfielder currently playing for the Brisbane Lions. He is widely regarded as the biggest free agent target in the current AFL market due to his elite performance. ### What did Jordan De Goey say about Lachie Neale? Collingwood star Jordan De Goey publicly declared that Neale would be a "great fit" for the Magpies. He effectively issued a direct "come join us" invitation via the media. ### Why is De Goey's public pitch significant? De Goey's statement is significant because it's a rare, open recruitment attempt from a current player. It signals Collingwood's strong desire to acquire Neale and adds considerable public pressure and intrigue to the free agency process. ### What impact could this have on Neale's free agency? De Goey's public courtship could influence Neale's decision by highlighting the strong interest from Collingwood. It also intensifies the competition among clubs for his signature, making the free agency period more dynamic. ## Sources & Citations - [“Lachie, if you’re listening”: De Goey’s message to Pies target Neale](https://www.sen.com.au/news/2026/06/18/afl-2026-jordan-de-goey-collingwood-lachie-neale-message-free-agent) — GNews.io (2026-06-18) --- Cite: De Goey Goes Public: Neale a 'Great Fit' for Pies. Sportopod, 2026-07-01. https://sportopod.com/en-US/cluster/lachie-if-you-re-listening-de-goey-s-message-to-pies-tar-12e06e76