With Lachie Neale stepping down as co-captain of the Brisbane Lions on Friday, the AFL club has a decision to make as to who replaces him. And Neale’s future at the Lions beyond 2026 has suddenly been thrust into doubt.
Neale had been co-captain with Harris Andrews, with the pair leading Brisbane to back-to-back premierships in 2024 and 2025. But Neale quit the leadership role on Friday amid a tumultuous and public marriage breakdown.
Josh Dunkley (far right) is being tipped to replace Lachie Neale as Brisbane Lions co-captain. Image: Getty
“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,” Neale said at Brisbane Lions headquarters. “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.”
The Lions could opt to go with Andrews as the sole captain in 2026. However according to News Corp, the leading candidate to become the new co-captain is Josh Dunkley.
Dunkley and Hugh McLuggage were co-vice-captains in 2025. The 28-year-old Dunkley has played 78 games for the Lions since arriving from the Western Bulldogs in 2023. He played 116 games for the Bulldogs after debuting in 2016.
Lachie Neale speaks to the media during a Brisbane Lions press conference. (Photo by Albert Perez/Getty Images)
Questions over Lachie Neale’s future at Brisbane Lions
On Friday in an emotional press conference, Neale declined to elaborate when asked numerous questions about the nature of his marriage ending. It’s believed Jules has moved back to Perth with the couple’s two kids, and Neale is out of contract with the Lions past 2026.
Raised in South Australia, Neale spent seven years in Perth after being drafted by the Fremantle Dockers. It was in his time with Freo that he met Jules, who moved to Brisbane with him when he switched to the Lions in 2019.
When asked on Friday if he’s considering a move back to WA in 2027, Neale said: “I haven’t really considered that yet. My decision was always going to be put on hold with my contracts regardless, so we’ll work that out in the next six months. We’ve got a bit of time.”
In seven seasons with Brisbane, Neale has won two premierships, two Brownlow medals (2020 and 2023), four Merrett-Murray medals as the Lions’ best-and-fairest and four All-Australians. He defied injury to play in last year’s triumphant grand final.
with AAP