LACHIE Neale's long-expected departure from Brisbane as an unrestricted free agent has been confirmed, with the two-time Brownlow medallist and three-time premiership player to join Collingwood. 

Neale played 186 games for the Lions after joining the club ahead of the 2019 season. 

"Lachie has been a great player for the Brisbane Lions, and we thank him for his incredible contribution over his eight seasons,” list manager Dom Ambrogio said. 

"We understand Lachie’s reasons for wishing to explore free agency and we wish him all the best for the next chapter of his career."

Neale gave up the co-captaincy of the Lions at the start of this year following a marriage breakdown, with his wife, Jules, returning to Western Australia with their two children. 

The 33-year-old explored his options throughout the season but Collingwood emerged as a main contender mid-year after Neale toured the club's Olympic Park headquarters in July. 

Neale all but confirmed the move after claiming his third successive premiership with Brisbane in Saturday's thrilling Grand Final win over Fremantle. 

"We've still got a bit to work out, but I can't thank the club enough for the last eight years," Neale said inside the jubilant Lions rooms.

"It’s been the best eight years of my life. They’re an amazing club and I’m so lucky to be a part of it.

"It hasn't sunk in yet. I still very much feel like a Brisbane player and Brisbane person, and it doesn't feel real that this is probably the end of my time here."