The Lachie Neale saga could hang over the Brisbane Lions’ premiership defence if the team doesn’t get off to a hot start this season.
That is according to Essendon legend Matthew Lloyd, who believes the former captain’s marriage breakdown could plague the club.
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Lachie and his partner Jules have spent several months in the spotlight after it was revealed last month that the Lions star was allegedly having an affair with Jules’ former friend Tess Crosley for up to six months before their romance was made public.
The two-time Brownlow medallist has since stepped down from his captaincy role, while Jules has moved to Perth with the couple’s two children.
Lloyd believes that with everything swirling overhead, Neale will want the club to come out firing from the opening round.
“It’s more what happens early in the season. Lachie Neale would want them to be winning games early,” Lloyd said on 3AW.
“Otherwise, we are going to be talking a lot about the distraction.”
Another key factor that will continue to linger over the head of the 32-year-old is his contract status.
Neale heads into the 2026 AFL season as an unrestricted free agent with his future uncertain. Lloyd says that despite it all, he will continue to be the ultimate professional when the ball bounces.
“It sounds like he’s going to be the last year he plays for the Brisbane Lions, to get back to be closer to his family in WA,” Lloyd said.
“He’s a professional. Players are very good at moving on. There’s been a massive storm around him, but players are very good at being able to (focus on the team).
“The bigger problem for me is the hangover period for some (after a premiership) that some can get comfortable and teams pick you apart and look at what you do.
“To me, that’s a bigger problem for Brisbane than Lachie Neale. Neale is going to do his thing. He’s going to get 25 to 30 touches a week. They don’t rely on him like they used to. To me, I don’t think it’s going to be a huge distraction.
“Taking the captaincy off him was the right move because you lose respect.”
The silly season for speculation surrounding Neale’s long-term future has already kicked off with West Coast coach Andrew McQualter being drawn in to address the situation.
The Eagles mentor has told AFL.com.au the club is “open” to recruiting a player like Neale.
“Lachie’s had an incredible career. He’s an incredible player. So I think that we’re always on the lookout for players that will help our team,” McQualter said.
“We’ll stay open to that. That’s what the industry is and that’s what free agency is, but I probably won’t comment too publicly on it.
“I think consistently we’ll try and get as much talent in the door whichever way we can.”
Rumours will continue to swirl throughout the season as Neale and the Lions look to make it three premierships in a row.
Brisbane will open their 2026 season at the Gabba, hosting the Western Bulldogs in Opening Round.
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