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\u2019 former friend Tess Crosley for up to six months before their romance was made public.<\/p>\n
The two-time Brownlow medallist has since stepped down from his captaincy role, while Jules has moved to Perth with the couple\u2019s two children.<\/p>\n
Lloyd believes that with everything swirling overhead, Neale will want the club to come out firing from the opening round.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s more what happens early in the season. Lachie Neale would want them to be winning games early,\u201d Lloyd said on 3AW.<\/p>\n
\u201cOtherwise, we are going to be talking a lot about the distraction.\u201d<\/p>\n
Another key factor that will continue to linger over the head of the 32-year-old is his contract status.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt sounds like he\u2019s going to be the last year he plays for the Brisbane Lions, to get back to be closer to his family in WA,\u201d Lloyd said.<\/p>\n
\u201cHe\u2019s a professional. Players are very good at moving on. There\u2019s been a massive storm around him, but players are very good at being able to (focus on the team).<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\u201cThe 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.<\/p>\n
\u201cTo me, that\u2019s a bigger problem for Brisbane than Lachie Neale. Neale is going to do his thing. He\u2019s going to get 25 to 30 touches a week. They don\u2019t rely on him like they used to. To me, I don\u2019t think it\u2019s going to be a huge distraction.<\/p>\n
\u201cTaking the captaincy off him was the right move because you lose respect.\u201d<\/p>\n
The silly season for speculation surrounding Neale\u2019s long-term future has already kicked off with West Coast coach Andrew McQualter being drawn in to address the situation<\/a>.<\/p>\n The Eagles mentor has told AFL.com.au the club is \u201copen\u201d to recruiting a player like Neale.<\/p>\n \u201cLachie\u2019s had an incredible career. He\u2019s an incredible player. So I think that we\u2019re always on the lookout for players that will help our team,\u201d McQualter said.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019ll stay open to that. That\u2019s what the industry is and that\u2019s what free agency is, but I probably won\u2019t comment too publicly on it.<\/p>\n \u201cI think consistently we\u2019ll try and get as much talent in the door whichever way we can.\u201d<\/p>\n Rumours will continue to swirl throughout the season as Neale and the Lions look to make it three premierships in a row.<\/p>\n Brisbane will open their 2026 season at the Gabba, hosting the Western Bulldogs in Opening Round.<\/p>\n