St Kilda coach Ross Lyon has shut down speculation that the club could land Brisbane Lions superstar Lachie Neale, admitting the dual Brownlow Medal winner is out of reach due to salary cap and list management pressures.
Neale, 33, met with Lyon last week to discuss a potential move to Moorabbin, but the Saints have now ruled themselves out of the race. Lyon confirmed the decision after St Kilda's 14-point win over Port Adelaide on Saturday.
Lyon confirms Neale pursuit is off the table
“It’s just really not possible for us with our young players out of contract,” Lyon told reporters. “Lachie and I spoke, he was great. We didn’t miss out because it would’ve been something we could pursue. The relationship was strong and that could’ve got it done if we were in a position to do that, but we’re not.”
Lyon coached Neale at Fremantle from 2012 to 2018, and the pair share a strong bond. However, the Saints’ emerging midfield, led by Nasiah Wanganeen-Milera, has limited the club’s ability to chase high-priced veterans.
St Kilda’s midfield still developing
Lyon acknowledged that St Kilda’s on-ball brigade is not yet a finished product. “Lachie spoke about how much growth they’ve got and how much they’ve improved,” he said. “But we’re not where we want to be, so we’ve just got to keep getting better and develop more and more.”
He added: “We need more players, better players, and we’re working hard to develop them. That takes a little bit of time, as we see around the league, but a few of them have come quick.”
Neale’s future remains uncertain
Neale’s playing future beyond 2025 is undecided after the public breakdown of his marriage. His estranged wife Jules moved to Perth with their two children late last year, fueling speculation he could return to Western Australia.
Collingwood were the first Victorian club to express interest, while Essendon has also met with Neale. South Australian clubs remain possible options as he balances family considerations with football success and financial factors.
