Chris Fagan has said the Brisbane Lions will support whatever decision Lachie Neale makes on his AFL future after his off-field dramas were dragged into the public eye.

Neale stood down from the co-captaincy last week, addressing media in Brisbane to confirm he and his wife Jules had decided to separate.

The two-time Brownlow Medal winner will remain at the club for 2026, but will then become an unrestricted free agent at season’s end.

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Speaking to media for the first time this year, Fagan spoke about the situation involving his now-former captain and whether Neale would remain at the Lions long-term or move back to his home state of Western Australia for 2027 and beyond.

Chris Fagan speaks to media after Lachie Neale’s decision. Nine/Getty

“I hope he does, but he’s an unrestricted free agent,” the coach said.

“So he can make a call on what he needs to do and he probably needs the next six or seven months to see what the next right step is.

“As I say, I hope he stays and plays with us. But if he chooses to move back to Perth because he needs to be closer to his children, then he’ll do that with our blessing.

“We’re not going to hold anyone to ransom. We’ll just go along with the flow on that.

“Obviously, [the situation] is sad for Jules, sad for Lachie, sad for the children, sad that it’s become such a public thing. Our job as a footy club, as we do with all of our players, is that they all make mistakes from time to time because they’re human.

“Everybody standing here [at the press conference] has probably made one at some point in time. Our job is just to wrap our arms around him and his family and help them where we can. Outside of that, it’s a private issue. That’s where we stand with it.”

He also heaped praise on the 32-year-old for fronting up in difficult circumstances.

Lachie Neale and Chris Fagan after the 2025 grand final via Getty Images

“I thought it was pretty brave what he did last week. He stood up and owned it. Not many people have to do that in the community,” Fagan said.

“His marriage has hit an obstacle. But he elected to do that. I thought that showed really good emotional intelligence and a real sense of responsibility, so I admire him for that.”

Neale has been a major part of Brisbane’s back-to-back flags and remains one of the AFL’s elite players after a stellar career spanning 14 seasons.

After being drafted by Fremantle in the 2011 draft, the gun midfielder went on to play 135 games with the Dockers before being traded across the country to the Lions.

He has gone on to kick 69 goals in 159 matches for Brisbane.