‘Let my family down’: Lions star steps down as captain
Brisbane Lions superstar Lachie Neale has decided to step down as co-captain amid feverish tabloid speculation about his marriage breaking down.
Dual Brisbane Lions premiership hero Lachie Neale has stepped down as the club’s co-captain.
Neale, who has lifted the last two AFL premiership cups aloft with Harris Andrews, will vacate his leadership role for 2026.
“I can say that I have let my family down, and I apologise for my actions, which have hurt those closest to me, and for that I am deeply sorry,” a sullen Neale said at Brisbane’s Springfield headquarters on Friday.
“I accept this is a consequence of my actions, and I need to focus on rebuilding that trust with (wife) Jules, as the future wellbeing of our children remain the number one priority.
“I’m extremely disappointed in myself and I’ve put plans in place to do the work on myself so that I can be the best version of myself.”
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Neale has been at the centre of tabloid speculation about his marriage breaking down in recent weeks.
His wife Jules is in the process of moving back to Western Australia, where she grew up, with their two children.
During the press conference, Neale – wearing a white t-shirt and no club apparel – declined to elaborate when asked numerous questions about the nature of his marriage ending.
The move of his family to the other side of Australia could prompt Neale to consider his future in Brisbane beyond this year.
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Raised in South Australia, Neale spent seven years in Perth after being drafted by the Dockers, during which time he met Jules.
“I’m going to be here (in Brisbane) this season coming up,” Neale said.
“Fully committed to putting everything I can into footy, getting into training.”
Neale, who sought a trade from Fremantle to Brisbane at the end of 2018, is one of the most decorated players in the Lions’ history.
In his seven seasons with Brisbane, he has claimed two Brownlow medals (2020, 2023), won four Merrett-Murray medals as the Lions’ best-and-fairest, four All-Australians and starred in two grand final wins.
Neale’s 2025 season appeared all but over after hurting his calf in the Lions’ qualifying final loss against Geelong.
But the star midfielder made a remarkable recovery to prove his fitness and was picked as sub in the Lions’ grand final rematch against the Cats.
Subbed into the grand final at the start of the third quarter, Neale’s influence was pivotal in Brisbane’s barnstorming second-half demolition of Geelong.
Neale had 17 possessions, seven clearances and kicked one classic goal to help inspire the Lions to a 47-point win.
The 294-game matchwinner is out of contract with the Lions at the end of 2026.
Already the most successful club of the 21st century, Brisbane have a chance to claim a second premiership three-peat to add to the one led by Leigh Matthews and Michael Voss from 2001-03.
