The AFL is a hotbed of drama and intrigue, and the latest chapter in this never-ending saga involves a potential shock move that could rock the league. Wouldn't you be intrigued if your favorite team brought back a former superstar?
Fremantle coach Justin Longmuir has left the door ajar to the idea of luring Lachie Neale back to the club. Neale, a dual Brownlow medallist, is a free agent after his contract with Brisbane expires this year. And while it may seem like a long shot, the prospect of bringing him back to the place where he started his career and played 135 games is an intriguing one.
Longmuir, when asked about the possibility, said, "I wouldn't say I wouldn't entertain it." But he also made it clear that he doesn't see list management as his primary focus at this time of year, especially with a contracted player at another club.
Neale's potential return to Fremantle is a fascinating development, especially given the circumstances surrounding his departure from Brisbane. After leading the Lions to back-to-back premierships, Neale stood down from his co-captaincy following a public marriage collapse with his wife, Jules. Lions coach Chris Fagan has already said that he wouldn't begrudge Neale if he chose to exercise his free agency rights at the end of this season.
"I hope he stays and plays with us," Fagan said. "But if he chooses to move back to Perth because he needs to be closer to his children, then he'll do that with our blessing. We're not going to hold anyone to ransom. We'll just go along with the flow on that."
The mystery surrounding Sam Darcy's injuries has also been clarified. The Western Bulldogs forward has been dealing with hip and groin soreness since the AFL Origin, and it was initially unclear what was causing his absence from the practice match against Hawthorn.
According to Herald Sun and Fox Footy reporter Jay Clark, Darcy received a knock to his back during the Western Australia vs. Victoria clash on February 14, which has left him with "lingering soreness" in the hip and groin. Dogs assistant Jarryn Geary said that Darcy trained earlier on Friday and had a controlled session, with an assessment scheduled for Wednesday.
While Darcy's availability for the upcoming games remains a tight call, the Bulldogs have another concern with young midfielder Ryley Sanders, who was concussed on Friday night and will not play against the Lions. The Dogs are seven days out from their Opening Round clash with back-to-back reigning premiers Brisbane at The Gabba.
