TWO-TIME Doig medallist Lachie Neale says he doesn't know where he will be playing next season amid a tug-of-war between Fremantle and Brisbane.
Neale is contracted to the Dockers for 2019, but has been wooed by a five-year offer from the Lions.
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Freo CEO Steve Rosich dodged questions if Neale had requested a trade speaking on Perth radio on Saturday, but the star midfielder is expected to join Brisbane if suitable terms can be reached.
Rosich has said the Lions' pick four alone won't get a deal done, but the clubs will ramp up talks when they meet face-to-face at Etihad Stadium on Monday once the NAB AFL Trade Period officially opens.
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Speaking on stage after being presented with the Dockers' club champion award, Neale addressed his future in a probable farewell speech to the Freo faithful, who gave him a warm ovation at Perth Convention and Exhibition Centre.
"There's obviously a bit of an elephant in the room with what the future might hold with me, but that will sort itself out over the next couple of weeks and I can honestly say I'm not sure what's going to happen with that," Neale said.
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"What I can say is the last seven years have been tremendous for me, the footy club has been amazing, I do call Perth home now, it so will be tough to leave if that's what happens."
In a press conference shortly after being toasted by a packed crowd, Neale swatted away suggestions he had met with the Lions mid-season, insisting he only became aware of their interest after Freo's campaign ended.
Neale gave a potential hint at his mindset, though, when he referred to the Dockers as "they" when asked if Fremantle could play finals next season.
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"I think you've seen in the AFL that realistically they can play finals next year, and so could Gold Coast, anyone could play finals next year," he said.
The 25-year-old said the opportunity to play in a premiership was a factor when weighing his future, but not the "be all and end all".
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Despite the public discussion about his football future, Neale said he wouldn't have an issue returning to Fremantle next season if he was held to his contract.
"I would be fine with it," he said.
"But I'm not sure as an industry if everyone's comfortable with that sort of discussion throughout the year just yet.
"I think, personally, it would be great if people could and we see it in other sports and other codes.
"If I had to, I would go and play for any team in the AFL – I love footy. There's no way I would sit out a year, not try or be uncommitted to wherever I was playing my football."
If the Dockers received pick four for Neale, it could help them orchestrate a deal for star Melbourne forward Jesse Hogan, who toured their Cockburn facilities and underwent a medical this week.
Freo has already secured unrestricted free agent Reece Conca from Richmond on a three-year deal and has met with Giants big man Rory Lobb.
Rosich declared the club had "four or five" trade targets in its sights after signing midfielder Conca, and hadn't given up hope of convincing wantaway Geelong onballer Tim Kelly his future could be in purple.
South Fremantle product Kelly has requested a trade to West Coast after finishing tied runner-up in the Cats' club champion in his first season.
