Brisbane Lions star Lachie Neale has stepped down from his role as co-captain of the AFL club as he navigates a “challenging personal period,” the club confirmed this week.
Neale’s departure from the leadership comes after guiding Brisbane to consecutive premierships in 2024 and 2025.
Off-field issues have overshadowed his decision, with many believing it’s connected to his separation from his wife, Jules.
As news develops around the marriage issues, we’ve got everything you need to know about the couple.
Who is Lachie Neal’s wife?
Lachie Neale is married to Jules Neale, a former salon owner, hairdresser and social media influencer.
Jules has attracted public attention in recent weeks with emotional social-media posts suggesting her marriage to Lachie has ended.
After reports surfaced claiming that the pair were “working through” their marriage, Jules took to Instagram to clarify the situation.
“I want to make it very clear that I am not ‘working through’ anything,” she wrote. “I have been betrayed in the most unimaginable way.
“All I can do now is try to heal and do what’s best for my children.
“Thankyou for the love and support.”
She has since emoved all photos of Lachie from her Instagram and unfollowed him.
Jules also took aim at her friend and fellow influencer, Tess Crosley, leading many to believe Tess is somehow implicated in the marriage breakdown.
On an Instagram post of the pair with their partners at the AFL grand final celebrations, Jules commented calling Tess out for not deleting the pictures.
“Take these (pictures) down, you idiot you’re embarrassing yourself,’’ Jules wrote in a comment that has since been deleted.
Tess has reportedly returned to her home state of Western Australia with their children.
Why did Lachie Neal step down as captain?
The Brisbane Lions said Neale’s decision to stand aside as co-captain was driven by personal circumstances and was deemed “the best move for him and the club” as he deals with ongoing challenges away from football.
“The Brisbane Lions confirm Lachie Neale has made the decision to stand down as Co-Captain, effective as of today,” the club said in a statement.
“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 32-year-old determined this was the best move for him and the Club following a challenging personal period.”
Does Lachie Neal have a kid?
Yes. Lachie and Jules share two young children, a daughter and a son.
Their daughter, Piper, is four years old, and their son, Freddie, recently celebrated his first birthday.
Recent social-media activity by Jules hinted at the family’s fragmentation, with Lachie absent from birthday posts as divorce rumours mounted.
Related stories
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
Native ad body.
