Port Adelaide great Kane Cornes has urged Fremantle to not overpay in a trade to acquire Brownlow Medallist Lachie Neale, suggesting a move wouldn’t be a “disaster” for Brisbane.
Just 24 hours after the Lions were bounced out of the finals in straight sets, reports of Neale’s desire to leave Brisbane to head back to Perth stunned the AFL world.
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While he has not yet officially requested a trade, he is expected to move to Fremantle in what is sure to be a blockbuster move during the AFL trade period.
Despite Neale’s obvious quality, Cornes said Fremantle should not “get sucked in” to unrealistic Brisbane trade demands.
“He is now 28 years of age, injuries are starting to become a factor, and his form has dropped off,” Cornes told Nine’s Footy Classified.
“Yes, it was coming from an extraordinary base where he won the Brownlow Medal, and with his lack of pre-season, he hasn’t been the player that he was last year.
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“It’s not disastrous for Brisbane at all because they’ve got him contracted and if there’s a deal that they don’t like, they can hold him to that contract.”
Cornes’ point was echoed by Footy Classified host Craig Hutchison, who questioned whether Fremantle actually needs the two-time All-Australian in its crowded midfield.
“I don’t think it’s the worst thing for Brisbane to lose him,” he said.
“He’s been worth his while, he’s won a Brownlow Medal, but at $800,000 or that type of money what could Brisbane get in the door? Is he the guy that’s going to take them to the next level in the first place?
“For Fremantle, it is a lot of money for a developing midfield. I’m not certain that the money’s not better spent on [Caleb] Serong, [Andrew] Brayshaw or [other] young mids coming through.
“He wants to be the guy in the midfield, but I’m not certain Fremantle need a guy that dominates their midfield right now.
“Brisbane shouldn’t fear the consequences. History is littered teams being overcompensated and doing well after their stars left.”