“Challenging personal period”: Brisbane confirm shock captaincy change – AFL News

Brisbane co-captain Lachie Neale has decided to rescind his role as captain of the Lions.

Neale, who has led the Queensland club alongside Harris Andrews since the 2023 season, has opted to relinquish his captaincy duties, informing his teammates of his decision on Friday.

In a club statement, the Lions confirmed the decision, noting Neale had been working through a “challenging personal period”.

“The Brisbane Lions confirm Lachie Neale has made the decision to stand down as Co-Captain, effective as of today,” the statement read. 
 
“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.”

Neale has captained Brisbane to three grand finals and two premierships, with the Lions winning 52 and drawing two of the 74 games he’s captained.

The 32-year-old won his second Brownlow following his maiden season as skipper, and has added an All-Australian selection and best and fairest to his resume since stepping into the leadership role. 

Neale has played 159 of his 294 career games with the Lions, having crossed from Fremantle at the end of the 2018 season. 

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA – SEPTEMBER 27: Harris Andrews of the Lions, Chris Fagan, Senior Coach of the Lions and Lachie Neale of the Lions celebrate with the Premiership Cup on the dais during the AFL Grand Final match between the Geelong Cats and the Brisbane Lions at the Melbourne Cricket Ground on September 27, 2025 in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Michael Willson/AFL Photos via Getty Images)

The Lions are facing several changes to the nine-player leadership group they named for 2025, with members Brandon Starcevich (West Coast) and Oscar McInerney (retired) having left the club. 

Under the leadership of Andrews and Neale, Brisbane also had Hugh McCluggage (vice-captain), Josh Dunkley (vice-captain), Charlie Cameron, Cameron Rayner and Jarrod Berry in its leadership group.

Neale, who will front media on Friday, is an unrestricted free agent at the end of the 2026 season, with his captaincy call making his future with the Lions further clouded.