When Lachie Neale returns to Brisbane next week, he won’t be living out of a suitcase anymore. He will finally settle into his new life in Queensland, following a life changing couple of months.

The dual Doig medallist was one of the biggest names to move during a tumultuous trade period, departing Fremantle after seven years for a fresh start at the Gabba.

For a player who could have gone anywhere, particularly back home to South Australia, his decision to join Brisbane highlights how far the Lions have come under the leadership of coach Chris Fagan, head of football David Noble and chief executive officer Greg Swann.

Brisbane traded Pick 6, 19 and 55 to acquire Neale and Pick 30 from the Dockers, during a trade period where they also secured his close friend, Geelong small forward Lincoln McCarthy, as well as Western Bulldogs key defender Marcus Adams, but lost star midfielder Dayne Beams.

Round 18

Lachie Neale looks on during a game at Optus Stadium last season. Source: Getty Images

After completing his first block of training before Christmas, the 25-year-old jetted back to Perth to spend time with his wife, who is in the process of selling her beauty salon, before heading to South Australia to spend the festive period with his family.

Neale returned to Western Australia ahead of New Year’s Eve to properly pack up his life ahead of setting up shop in the sunshine state, where the Lions are aiming for their first finals appearance since 2009.

“I just brought a suitcase over for the first four or five weeks. So I’ve been living out of that,” Neale told the Brisbane Lions’ website.

“I’ll pack up all my stuff and get ready for the shift over because it has felt a bit like a holiday. Then we will move everything over and be here full time.”

Lachie Neale celebrates a goal with Stephen Hill in his final game for Fremantle. Source: Getty Images

While Neale was already aware how talented Victorian country products Hugh McCluggage and Jarrod Berry are, he has been impressed by a lesser known Lion during his first month at the club.

“I didn’t know too much about Zac Bailey. He has an impressive skillset with his speed and his attack on the footy, so he is one who has really impressed,” he said.

“We know about guys like Hugh McCluggage and Jarrod Berry. They have had fantastic pre-seasons and their first couple of years in the system were really strong.

“There is a lot coming through and there is a lot of guys pressing for spots, which is going to make pressure for spots really good.”

Despite winning only five games in 2018 the Lions made significant inroads, losing five games by seven points or less to be much more competitive in Fagan’s second season at the helm.