Brisbane Lions coach Chris Fagan has admitted he would be confused if star veteran Lachie Neale left the dual reigning premiers for a Melbourne-based club.
Out of contract at season's end, Neale is weighing up his future following the public and tumultuous breakdown of his marriage late last year.
The dual Brownlow medallist has been living away from his two young children, who relocated to Perth with estranged wife Jules.
Given his personal situation, Neale - a former Fremantle star - was expected to move back to Western Australia if he left Brisbane.
One of the two Adelaide clubs also remains an option, given the proximity to Perth and Neale growing up in regional South Australia.
But Collingwood have been chasing the two-time Lions premiership co-captain hard, desperate to help midfield superstar Nick Daicos.
