‘Fact of life’: Lions coach’s big hint on stars’ futures; Pies’ play for free agent — Trade Whispers

Chris Fagan on the potential exits of Lachie Neale and Zac Bailey. Plus Collingwood has made a play for a free agent as it looks to power up its forward line.

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‘PLAYERS MOVE... IT’S A FACT OF LIFE’: FAGAN ON NEALE, BAILEY FUTURES

Brisbane coach Chris Fagan has conceded players moving clubs is a “fact of life” in perhaps the biggest hint yet that star duo Zac Bailey and Lachie Neale could be headed for the exit door.

Both Bailey and Neale are free agents and have been linked with exits to rival clubs.

Bailey is being circled by Adelaide on a lucrative deal estimated to be worth as much as $10 million over seven years.

Meanwhile, Collingwood is among the clubs pursuing Neale, who turns 34 next year, with reports the Pies are willing to table the dual Brownlow medallist a three-year deal worth as much as $3 million in total.

Speaking on Fox Footy’s AFL 360, Fagan says he hasn’t been involved in contract talks with the pair and simply wants to see both players give their all while they’re still in Lions colours.

“At the end of the day, the way football is now, players move. We don’t like it when they move, but it’s a fact of life,” Fagan said on Fox Footy’s AFL 360.

“And I think the main thing is, whether they stay or go, as long as they continue to play and give the best they’ve got each week, that’s all you can ask for.

“In the case of Zac and Lachie, that’s what we’re getting at the moment.

“No doubt this will all unfold. I may need to get involved at some point in time down the track.

“But for now, the focus is just them, their footy and performance and helping them with whatever else they need help with in their lives.”

Fagan said he’d had more discussions with Neale on his future while the star midfielder navigates a complex off-field situation in the aftermath of he and wife Jules’ split.

“I probably haven’t had a lot of conversations with Zac at this point in time. His form has been really good, so that’s my major concern as the coach,” Fagan said.

“Lachie, there’s probably been a few more conversations, because there’s a bit more involved in what Lachie’s future holds.

“Sometimes he needs a bit of advice and a bit of help, so I tend to have conversations with him.”

PIES HAVE ‘ASKED THE QUESTION’ OF LEWIS

Collingwood has “asked the question” of Hawthorn free agent Mitch Lewis as it looks to beef up its forward line.

The Magpies have again been active in the trade and free agency market with links to Port Adelaide’s Zak Butters, Brisbane’s Lachie Neale and Gold Coast duo Ben King and Jed Walter.

With King expected to join Hawthorn should he depart the Suns and several clubs vying for Walter’s services, AFL j0urnalist Mitch Cleary reports Lewis is another option for Collingwood.

Cleary estimated that the Hawks’ four-year offer to Lewis would be worth around $600,000-$700,000 per season. Whereas the unrestricted free agent could draw offers as much as $900,000 a year to leave.

“I think a key forward would be high on their agenda,” Cleary said of Collingwood on Triple M radio.

“They’ve asked the question of Mitch Lewis, who’s got a four-year offer in front of him from Hawthorn.

“I think he’s on their radar.”

Lewis has booted 23 goals from 15 games — the equal-most senior appearances he’s made in a season — after repeated injuries have previously cruelled the 27-year old’s career.

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