2 months ago
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Dual Brownlow medallist Lachie Neale has stood down as Lions captain after a marriage breakdown and serious doubts about his future in Brisbane after this season.
Neale’s wife and children have returned to live in Perth. The player now knows he needs to spend more time returning to Perth to try to see his young children.
Brisbane star Lachie Neale celebrates after his club’s AFL grand final victory.Credit: Eddie Jim
He spoke with coach Chris Fagan over Christmas as he was the constant subject of tabloid stories about his private life. Sources with knowledge of the discussions said Fagan was supportive of Neale prioritising his family and the decision to step away from the captaincy.
Neale’s wife, Jules, had posted on Instagram that she was dealing with an “unimaginable betrayal”.
Neale, who is out of contract at the end of the year and an unrestricted free agent, faces a difficult year of uncertainty around his future.
Recruited from Fremantle to the Lions the prospect of a return to the Dockers would be an obvious attraction should he try to seek a move to be closer to his children.
Lachie Neale and Jules Neale on Brownlow night 2025.Credit: via Getty Images
The Lions confirmed Neale had relinquished the captaincy.
“Neale has shared the role alongside Harris Andrews for the past three seasons – guiding the club to three grand finals and back-to-back premierships,” the Lions said in a statement.
“The 32-year-old determined this was the best move for him and the club following a challenging personal period.”
Neale will address media in Brisbane at Brighton Homes Arena at 11:30am.
Lachie and Jules in 2024.Credit: via Getty Images
Jules Neale spent a large part of the off-season in Perth. Neale, who is from South Australia, returned to his home state at the same time.
Jules Neale has also removed details and links to their shared management company from her social media profile.
Neale has had huge success since joining the Lions from Fremantle in 2019, winning Brownlow medals in 2020 and back-to-back premierships in 2024-2025.
He was linked with trade rumours back to the Dockers at the end of the 2021 season when his wife was eight-months pregnant with their first child.
But while connections admitted he had been speaking to management about a return to his wife’s home state of WA, a trade request was never put to the Lions.
The pair now have two children - four-year-old Piper and Freddie, who was born in December 2024.
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