Lachie Neale after joining Collingwood from Brisbane. Picture: Collingwood FC

BRISBANE champion Lachie Neale has officially joined Collingwood as an unrestricted free agent.

Neale, 33, arrives at the Magpies on a three-year deal after eight seasons at Brisbane, where he won three premierships and two Brownlow Medals.

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The AFL has confirmed the Lions will receive a second-round compensation pick (currently No.39) for the midfielder's departure.

Neale played 186 games for the Lions after arriving from Fremantle.

His arrival is a huge boost for the Pies, with Neale set to provide support for this year's Brownlow Medal winner, Nick Daicos.

Magpies list boss Justin Leppitsch welcomed Neale to the club.

"We are excited to welcome Lachie to Collingwood. He brings a wealth of experience and will really bolster our midfield, particularly around stoppage," Leppitsch said.

"Lachie is one of the competition's premier midfielders and has consistently performed at an elite level for more than a decade. His ability to win the football and influence games makes him great addition to our AFL program.

"Lachie led the Lions as co-captain throughout a successful period for the club and we know he will continue to share his knowledge and experience with our playing group."

Just one week after helping Brisbane to its second three-peat this century, the club thanked him for his contribution since crossing from the Dockers at the end of 2018.

"Lachie has been an exceptional player for the Brisbane Lions and we thank him for everything he has given our football club over the past eight seasons," general manager of football Danny Daly said.

"His consistency, preparation and competitiveness set an outstanding standard. Lachie's ability to win the contest, perform in the biggest moments and bring his teammates with him made him a special player and an important part of our success.

"As co-captain, he carried the responsibility of leading the Club with great pride. Alongside Harris Andrews, he helped drive the standards of our playing group and guided the team through three Grand Final campaigns, including back-to-back premierships.

"While we are sad to see Lachie leave, he does so with our gratitude and respect. We wish him and his family all the very best for the next chapter, and he will always be an important part of the Lions story."