Brisbane Lions captain Dayne Zorko believes they are resilient enough to overcome the potential loss of AFL star Lachie Neale.
The Lions were rocked after learning Neale was considering a trade back to Fremantle, with the news coming some 24 hours after their heartbreaking one-point semi-final loss to the Western Bulldogs.
Neale played 135 games for the Dockers before seeking out the Lions for a fresh start at the end of 2018.
The reigning Brownlow medallist’s three seasons at Brisbane have been nothing short of brilliant, but Zorko says the Lions are strong enough to remain in premiership contention if Neale does depart.
The Lions managed to win all seven games Neale missed due to injury and illness this year, including thumping victories over finalists Port Adelaide and GWS.
“It would be extremely disappointing (if Neale left),” Zorko told the Seven Network.
“But I think we’ve seen at times this year the resilience in our group; when someone’s gone out of the team we’ve been able to fill that void.
“We’ve got a great young crop of players coming through, that Lachie’s certainly helped develop, which is really important for us and we’ve called on them plenty of times.
“If a trade does happen, then I’m sure we’ll get something great in return and our younger guys would get an opportunity.”
“Finishing in the top four three years in a row is a massive achievement and he’s been a massive part of that.”
Neale met with Brisbane coach Chris Fagan, club chief executive Greg Swann and football manager Danny Daly on Monday, but the Lions are no closer to knowing what his plans are.
The 28-year-old, who is contracted for another two seasons, is considering a return to Perth to be closer to his wife Jules’ family, with the couple expecting their first child in October.
Neale did not request a trade during the meeting but the Lions agreed to give him more time to consider his future.
A Neale homecoming would more than make up for Fremantle’s impending loss of young midfielder Adam Cerra, who has already requested a trade back to Victoria.
Chanon
Roar Rookie
A 21 year old wanting regular games & Carlton are prepared to give him 750k The only Vic club that’s in itself is hilarious! :laughing:
Chanon
Roar Rookie
True Pablo 750k is crazy money Tigers wouldn’t entertain that amount 250k too much
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
That's a tough call, replacing Dimma; not a shabby recent record. He does need to work out whether philandering is as rewarding as coaching. It certainly led the distractions at the Tiges this year.
Yattuzzi
Roar Rookie
I think they are in trouble. They needed to change the coach and the game plan. A team of double and triple premiership players. Their success based on a system that doesn’t work anymore, not player skills or brilliance. I see salary cap pressure and losing young players. They won’t make the eight in 2022.
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
Carlton are no hope of finals for 2 or 3 years, if ever. A real candidate for Tassie.
Power
Guest
They were different points. Kennett is in charge there as Clarkson found out and limped away looking like a goose with a knife sticking out his back. A quality young player does not want to go to a team with a dear leader like that whose best players are getting up in age and will be rebuilding through the draft. Carlton will probably make the finals next season, Hawks are a long way off, Kangas too but good if he wants big cash.
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
Kangas will make finals before Carlton.
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
I wouldn't have thought so, Why?
Yattuzzi
Roar Rookie
So are the Tigers on the up next year?
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
Because he wants to go to a Victorian side and there's not a lot of choice.
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
What does Kennett have do do with age and Cerra?
Yattuzzi
Roar Rookie
Why would he go to a side coming 11th?
Power
Guest
S.Bolton just took way less money to stay, I'm sure he'd be happy for Cerra to come in on big money :laughing: A smart manager will have a clause in his clients contract that if a new player comes in on big money then his clients salary will increase. Cerra goes to Carlton for a nice payday and make the finals. Cerra goes to the Kangas for a massive payday.
Power
Guest
:laughing: :laughing: :laughing: Cerra wants no part of El Presidente Kennett B.McEvoy 32yr 1mth L.Breust 30yr 9mth J.Ceglar 30yr 6mth L.Shiels 30yr 4mth J.Gunston 29yr 10mth K.Hartigan 29yr 9mth T.Mitchell 28yr 3mth C.Wingard 28yr 1mth S.Frost 28yr De-listed: Burgoyne 38, Scully 30, Patton 28, Hartley 28.
Don Freo
Roar Rookie
Hawthorn is his best venue. Carlton is a shambles and Richmond is heading for a wooden spoon.
Donmac
Roar Rookie
He'd be better off doing that than going to Carlton. Who in their right mind would want to go that joint?
pablocruz
Roar Rookie
No. Simple as that.
Parklane7835
Roar Rookie
Does anyone think Adam Cerra will go to Richmond because the Tigers has Pick 7.....I think he Will Go to the Tigers ?