Mitch Cleary

Is it the right move to be going after Lockie Neal to address centre clearance?

Fagan's answer only two weeks ago when he was asked about the move to Melbourne potentially for Lachie Neal, the city of Melbourne, and he said it would be head-scratching given everything going on around the family.

So I think that paints enough of a picture from where the Lions and Chris Fagan sit.

Because don't forget, Chris Fagan's got a contract till 27.

He's all in on going after Oscar Allen, Sam Draper, going for the now and seeing if he can squeeze one or two more flags out of this group before his contract expires at 27.

And Lachie Neal would help that next year, albeit probably on a two-year deal as opposed to a club like Collingwood that might come with three.

I think there's a resignation now that Zach Bailey is very much like the Tom DeConing scenario.

The money is too much of a gap there to squeeze out of the Lions, and he's more likely to leave now.

Number two, the Giants.

This is Adam Kingsley before we get your take on where the Giants sit right now.

Six and eight on the season after two straight losses.

So we sat here in the box.

We saw them pile on those goals against Brisbane in the third quarter a few weeks ago.

Then they go and beat Melbourne and Alice Springs.

They've lost now to St Kilda and Carlton in back-to-back weeks.

Are we ruling the Giants out of being a contender in 2026?

Yeah, no, they can't win it.

The other factor that can't go forgotten, I think, with the Giants too, is the fact that Dave Matthews, their inaugural CEO of 15 years, is leaving as well.

And he and Toby have an incredibly close relationship.

Hey, Mark, we've heard this year Max Gawne talk about the bromance he's got with his new coach, Stephen King.