Lachie Neale has left the role of Brisbane Lions co-captain following the breakdown of his marriage, with the fate of his shared family home unknown. Pictures: Nigel Hallett
Brisbane Lions co-captain Lachie Neale has stepped down from his leadership position on the team and announced his separation from his wife Jules – leaving the fate of their shared family home up in the air.
Neale told press of the news at 11.30am on Friday morning, shortly after the club announced his decision to leave the role of co-captain.
Neale told press on Friday morning that he was “deeply sorry”. Picture: Nigel Hallett
“I can confirm though with regret that Jules and I have now separated,” he said. “While I won’t go into specifics, I can say that I have let my family down and I apologise for my actions that have let down those that are closest to me. And for that I am deeply sorry.”
Neale and his wife bought their Seven Hills property as a family home for the couple, their two kids and their dog Harley.
The five-bedroom, two-storey house was bought at auction in July of 2022 for $2.43 million.
The Neale family bought their five-bedroom house in Seven Hills for $2.43 million at auction, in July 2022. Picture: Nigel Hallett
Neale said he spent a lot of time cooking at the home’s barbecue, and that the house “could be” a forever home for the family. Picture: Nigel Hallett
In a Courier Mail interview in April 2025, Neale said the house “could be” their forever home.
“I love this space,” he said. “Bliss Alfresco actually put (our barbecue) together for me. They’re a massive supporter of the club as well.”
Jules Neale went public about her view of the marriage in an Instagram post on Friday.
“I have been betrayed in the most unimaginable way,” she wrote. “All I can do now is try to heal and do what’s best for my children.”
Tess Crosley, Lachie Neale, Ben Crosley and Jules Neale at the AFL Grand Final. Picture: Instagram
Neale and Harris Andrews have shared the co-captain role for the past three seasons. Picture: Nigel Hallett
“The breakdown of my marriage, I take full responsibility for it,” Neale said at the press conference. “I’m extremely disappointed in myself.”
The Brisbane Lions said in a statement before the conference that the decision was made due to a “challenging personal period” for Neale.
Neale later told press he had “thought about (stepping down) for the past 12 months”, with the decision also affected by the 32 year-old’s age.
Lachie and Jules Neale reportedly spent time in their home states over the holidays. Picture: Albert Perez/Getty Images
“I understand the interest in my personal life, but these are personal matters and I won’t be answering any questions on that topic today,” he said. “I’m fully committed to putting everything I can into footy, and I’ll be getting into training (soon).”
The two reportedly spent Christmas apart in their home states with family: Lachie Neale in Robe, South Australia, and Jules Neale back in Western Australia.
The couple have not commented on the fate of their shared home, and Neale requested a respect for the family’s privacy going forward.
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