The father of Brisbane Lions star Lachie Neale has taken aim at the “footy media” for their handling of the midfielder’s rumoured trade request.
Just 24 hours after the Lions were bounced out of the finals in straight sets, the AFL world was sent into meltdown following reports Neale was targeting a trade back to his former club, Fremantle.
Despite the reports, Brisbane confirmed no official trade request has been lodged, with the reigning Brownlow Medallist taking time away “to have further discussions.”
Neale’s father Robbie claims media reports couldn’t be further from the truth.
“He hasn’t requested a trade. The disappointing thing was that it hit the media and it’s gone into meltdown the last couple of days,” Robbie Neale told ABC.
“Certain sections of the footy media have had strong opinions about it, but they’re five steps ahead of reality.
“The reality is it’s purely a discussion that was had internally.
“They just need a bit of support because it’s been bordering on horrific.”
Asked how rumours spread to the media, Neale’s father believes it may have come from Fremantle.
“Unfortunately we think maybe that question was asked around Freo a little bit too much and someone’s picked up on it,” Robbie Neale said.
Meanwhile, Swans co-captain Luke Parker officially put pen to paper on a four-year contract extension to remain in Sydney until the end of 2025.
“I absolutely love the club and I wanted to be part of the long term and really drive the group through this next period,” Parker said.
“I’m really excited about what the future looks like. We have a great group and we have taken some big steps forward this year.
“We’ve got some young guys who are just starting out in their careers and you ride the bumps with them, you ride the exciting times with them, and it’s such good fun.”