A SWEETENER that Brisbane acquired from Gold Coast has convinced Fremantle to release contracted midfield star Lachie Neale.
The Lions gave up picks six, 19 and 55 in this year's NAB AFL Draft while receiving Neale and selection No.30.
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The Lions and Dockers had been locked in a stalemate for most of the NAB AFL Trade Period unable to bridge the gap between Brisbane's initial offer of pick No.5 for Neale and Fremantle's demand for an additional first-round pick.
However, Brisbane finalised a trade with Gold Coast on Wednesday afternoon that helped it finally find common ground with Fremantle.
In the deal, the Lions traded their future round one selection to Gold Coast for pick No.19, the Suns' future second-round selection and a future third-round selection (on traded from Hawthorn).
Neale had been contracted with the Dockers until the end of 2019.
The 25-year-old averaged 30 disposals and seven clearances while playing every game this season and won Fremantle's best and fairest this year, as well as 2016.
"Lachie is a perfect fit for what we are targeting this trade period – an elite midfielder and in the 23-26-year-old age bracket," Brisbane football manager David Noble told lions.com.au.
"Lachie is a quality person and highly respected player who will significantly strengthen our midfield."
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Noble told reporters: "What Lachie has seen is the direction we're taking.
"He likes the list we're putting together and I think he feels that there's a position there where he can really extend his football.
"He's done his homework, he loves the way Fages goes about his coaching. I think they're the key things that Lachie has really seen and is looking forward to in coming to Brisbane."
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Dockers CEO Steve Rosich told fremantlefc.com.au Neale left the club on good 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."
Neale was originally drafted at No.58 in 2011 and has lined up in 135 career games.
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