Lachie Neale in action during Brisbane's clash with Collingwood in round four, 2026. Picture: AFL Photos

MORE THAN three quarters of Collingwood fans polled in AFL.com.au's Fan Trade Pulse survey back the club's pursuit of Brisbane's Lachie Neale for 2027 and beyond. 

Neale, a two-time Brownlow medallist and dual premiership player at the Lions, is out of contract at the end of this season and is exploring his options for next year following the break-up of his marriage in the off-season. 

Seventy-six per cent of Collingwood respondents to AFL.com.au's survey were keen for the Lions free agent to join their club. However, more than half of those fans had reservations about what the Brisbane star would cost.

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Pies supporters overwhelmingly backed the club's controversial 'players, not picks' trade philosophy, with the majority of fans keen to see the Pies land a tall forward in the 2026 Continental Tyres AFL Trade Period.

Seventy per cent supported their club prioritising players ahead of draft picks, despite Collingwood coach Craig McRae revealing last month that he preferred a more balanced approach.

While 51 per cent of Pies fans saying the club's No.1 need was a tall forward, the black and white army is split on the club's pursuit of Gold Coast's restricted free agent Ben King. Only 52 per cent of fans surveyed were keen to land the big Sun, with 48 per cent saying he would cost too much in either trade or salary.

Ben King in action during Gold Coast's clash with Melbourne in round 21, 2026. Picture: AFL Photos

Collingwood fans were almost equally split on the idea of trading their first-round draft pick this year, with 51 per cent comfortable with the prospect, and 49 per cent opposed.

Unsurprisingly, Nick Daicos topped the list of the Pies' untouchable players, followed by his brother Josh and hard-nosed defender Brayden Maynard.

Port Adelaide free agent Zak Butters was a clear No.1 choice among Collingwood fans for the player they would most like to trade in. Ben King and Brisbane forward Logan Morris rounded out the top three.

Steele Sidebottom's decision to retire aligned with the thoughts of Magpies fans, with only seven per cent of respondents backing the two-time flag hero to play on in 2027. Fans were more optimistic about fellow veterans Jeremy Howe, Tim Membrey and Scott Pendlebury continuing their careers

And 80 per cent of Collingwood supporters said Jordan De Goey was a key part of the club's future, with 27 per cent saying the Pies needed to extend his contract at any price.

Stay tuned to AFL.com.au and the AFL Live App in the coming days for more results from the AFL.com.au Fan Trade Pulse Survey.