Reading a prepared statement prior to taking football-related questions, Neale said he now needed \u201cto do the work on myself so that I can be the best version of myself moving forward\u201d.<\/p>\n
Know the news with the 7NEWS app: Download today Arrow<\/a><\/p>\n \u201cI can confirm that with regret Jules and I have now separated,\u201d Neale said, adding he was \u201cextremely disappointed\u201d in his actions and took \u201cfull responsibility\u201d for the end of their relationship.<\/p>\n \u201cWhile I won\u2019t go into specifics I can say that I have let my family down and I apologise for my actions, which have hurt those closest to me. For that I am deeply sorry.<\/p>\n \u201cI accept this is a consequence of my actions and I need to focus on rebuilding that trust with Jules and the future wellbeing of our children remain our No.1 priority.<\/p>\n \u201cI understand as a public figure there is interest in my personal life, however I do ask the privacy of Jules and my children be respected as we work through our new situation and the next chapter of our lives.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m extremely disappointed in myself and I\u2019ve put plans and measures in place to do the work on myself so that I can be the best version of myself moving forward.<\/p>\n \u201cGiven the personal matters I\u2019m currently working through I have made the decision to stand down as co-captain and from the leadership group effective immediately. Having been a captain and leader of the Lions has been a huge honour but it is time for the club to move forward with a fresh start.\u201d<\/p>\n Neale, who did not wear club apparel for the press conference, said he had thought about giving up the co-captaincy for the past 12 months.<\/p>\n The decision now brings an end to a successful three years leading the Lions to three grand finals and two premierships alongside Harris Andrews \u2014 but it also raises questions about his future at the club.<\/p>\n Neale, a dual Brownlow medallist, is out of contract at the end of 2026.<\/p>\n Jules and their children have reportedly moved home to Perth, where Neale started his AFL career with Fremantle.<\/p>\n Neale requested a trade to Brisbane at the end of 2018 and a possible return to the Dockers was mooted in 2021 before he stayed put at the Lions.<\/p>\n A move could be back on the cards.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m going to be here (in Brisbane) this year coming up. Fully committed to putting everything I can into footy,\u201d he said on Friday.<\/p>\n \u201cI feel that it\u2019s going to be a great outlet for me, to be honest, with everything going on, I\u2019m really confident I can play some really good footy this year.<\/p>\n \u201cI haven\u2019t really considered that (his future) yet. I think my (contract) decision was always going to be put on hold regardless so we\u2019ll work that out over the next six months basically. We\u2019ve got a bit of time.\u201d<\/p>\n Neale was a hero of Brisbane\u2019s 2025 premiership success after overcoming a season-ending calf injury in the first week of the finals to play in the grand final<\/a>.<\/p>\n He had 17 important disposals after coming on as the sub at half-time.<\/p>\n While Neale will remain a crucial member of the Lions\u2019 midfield, Andrews could now take over as sole captain.<\/p>\n But the defender\u2019s former running mate nominated multiple teammates who could step up.<\/p>\n \u201cI definitely feel like he has the ability to do it on his own,\u201d Neale said.<\/p>\n \u201cBut we have a number of guys who could step up \u2014 Josh Dunkley, Hugh McCluggage have been really good vice-captains the last few years.<\/p>\n \u201cI think we\u2019ll do a vote as usual and see what comes from those results.\u201d<\/p>\n Charlie Cameron, Cam Rayner, Jarrod Berry and the departed Brandon Starcevich (West Coast) and Oscar McInerney (retired) also featured in the leadership group in 2025.<\/p>\n Jaspa Fletcher, who turns 22 next month, and dual Norm Smith medallist Will Ashcroft, 21, are both seen as potential future captains.<\/p>\n In a club statement Brisbane football boss Danny Daly offered a pointed stance on the captaincy role in the wake of Neale\u2019s admission he had let his family down.<\/p>\n \u201cWe acknowledge Lachie\u2019s decision to step down as co-captain and from the leadership group,\u201d Daly said.<\/p>\n \u201cBeing a captain of the Brisbane Lions comes with a high level of expectation and commitment to uphold our club values and lead by example.<\/p>\n \u201cWe thank Lachie for his contribution as a leader of our club for the past three seasons during a highly successful period and look forward to Lachie remaining an important part of our club in the future.<\/p>\n \u201cOur priority as a football club is to always support our people and their families. We\u2019ve been doing this privately with both Lachie and Jules during this difficult time.<\/p>\n \u201cWe do ask that their privacy and that of their children and families is respected at this time.\u201d<\/p>\n <\/p>\n Lachie Neale makes major move amid marriage breakdown<\/p>\n 2 min read<\/p>\n![\"Lachie](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/c9091de46a083e7626081edb4f0513129b208935.jpg\")
Lachie paid tribute to Jules during his two Brownlow acceptance speeches. Credit: Getty<\/p>\n![\"Lachie](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/01\/84e8851b701134a95fdbcdcfd0d35c9219ee3527.jpg\")
Lachie Neale has stepped down as Brisbane Lions co-captain after leading the team to back-to-back premierships with Harris Andrews.
\n Credit: Getty<\/p>\n