Collingwood Shows Interest in Lachie Neale
Collingwood has shown interest in Brisbane’s Lachie Neale, a two-time Brownlow Medallist, amid an uncertain future for the player in Queensland following a tumultuous off-season. The Pies are in desperate need to bolster its midfield, and Neale has been open regarding a move to be closer to his children, although he would remain at the Lions.
Neale has put off contract talks until later in the year, which are tipped to ramp up around the mid-season bye in Round 15. Collingwood have been adamant on a new draft approach, but Neale’s unrestricted free agency status means the Victorian club can get him for nothing. Western Australian clubs are well aware of Neale’s situation, while South Australia could also be an option.
Investigation into Elijah Hollands
Findings from the investigation regarding Elijah Hollands is set to be finalised in the next 24-48 hours, with findings to come to light. Hollands suffered a mental health episode a few weeks ago, and has been admitted to hospital as the club, friends and family care for him. His behaviour did prompt an investigation.
Essendon Coach Faces Pressure
The pressure is mounting on Bombers coach Brad Scott, who has only registered one win in 2026. A favourable stretch of games ahead will have Essendon face cellar dwellers Richmond, West Coast and Carlton in three consecutive weeks, but Matthew Lloyd says if Scott loses those games, he’s “50-50” to remain in the hot seat.
Patrick Cripps on Similar Path to Zach Merrett
Carlton skipper Patrick Cripps is on a similar trajectory to Essendon’s Zach Merrett, who requested a trade away from the club despite being captain at the end of last year. On Footy Classified, the panel discussed Cripps’ future, and that the desire for a fresh start, in his home state (WA) could be an appealing prospect.
AFL Tipped to Introduce 3rd Cat B Spot
In a bid to increase Indigenous numbers in the competition, the league is expected to add an additional spot to the Category B Rookie list. It currently stands at two, but a third vacancy could help improve the dwindling numbers of Indigenous players in the competition according to Channel Seven.
AFL Fixture Release Schedule
The AFL is set to release the remainder of the 2026 fixture in two stages, with the first block unveiled following Round 9. In the past, the league has held off revealing Round 24, but could increase it to the final month of the season in order to ensure primetime fixturing for blockbuster and meaningful contests, writes SEN. Sydney are tipped to receive more primetime slots.
Adam Simpson Advocates for Next Score Wins
Former West Coast coach Adam Simpson doesn’t want to see a draw. He wants a result. “The extra time – I think it’s next score wins,” Simpson told SEN’s Whateley. “The ratings on that and the eyes on that, if it was ‘here we go, next score wins’ (would be extraordinary). I think if it’s next goal, it could be 15 minutes. Three minutes and three minutes… that’s just footy. I want to see next score wins. Why wouldn’t you do it? Is it the history piece? I just think it would be a rating bonanza, and people would just embrace it. When the word is out that it’s a draw, here we go.”
Brisbane Takes Action Following ‘Whiteboard Gate’
The Lions will now frost the glass inside its training base to protect the intellectual property of the club following ‘whiteboard gate’. A photo of the club’s opposition analysis made its way around the competition.
