Fremantle have made a significant deal with Brisbane on Wednesday in the NAB AFL Trade Period, securing two first-round picks six and 19 plus third-round pick 55 in exchange for midfielder Lachie Neale and second-round pick 30.
Drafted with pick no.58 in the 2011 National Draft, Neale won the Doig Medal in 2016 and 2018, finished runner-up in 2017, was named in the All Australian squad twice and led the AFL for possessions in 2016.
Off the field, Neale helped further strengthen Fremantle’s long-standing relationship with the Starlight Children’s Foundation, acting as a Starlight Ambassador for five years.
Fremantle CEO Steve Rosich said that while it was disappointing to lose a player of Neale’s calibre, it was important to see the star midfielder traded on the right terms.
“A trade deal was agreed with Brisbane as it provided us with two first round selections that are important for our needs,” Rosich said.
“Lachie is a tremendous person and footballer and he has shown this from his seven years at Fremantle and we wish him well at Brisbane.
“On top of his on-field achievements, Lachie has been an incredible contributor at the club as a leader and with his work as a Starlight ambassador.”
The deal is Fremantle’s third of the Free Agency/Trade Period, signing free agent Reece Conca from Richmond and performing a pick swap with Port Adelaide last Thursday.
In the deal with the Power, Fremantle secured a swap of first-round picks, which saw Freo receive first-round pick no.11 plus second-round picks 23 and 30, and third-round pick 49.
Following the Neale trade, Fremantle hold picks six, 11, 19, 23, 49 and 55 in the 2018 National Draft.
