BRISBANE, QLD — In a stunning development that has sent shockwaves through the AFL community, dual Brownlow Medalist Lachie Neale officially stepped down as co-captain of the Brisbane Lions today, January 2, 2026. The announcement follows weeks of intense tabloid speculation and a deeply personal public statement regarding the collapse of his marriage to wife, Jules Neale.
Standing before the media at the Lions’ Springfield headquarters, a visibly emotional Neale confirmed that he and Jules have separated, citing personal “actions” that led to a betrayal of trust.
For fans asking what did Lachie Neale do, the specifics remain private, though Neale himself admitted to “letting his family down.” The public breakdown began in late December 2025 when Jules Neale scrubbed her Instagram of photos featuring the Lions star and published an explosive post.
The Breakdown:
Mid-December 2025: Jules Neale went public on Instagram, stating she had been “betrayed in the most unimaginable way.” She clarified she was not “working through” things but was focused on healing for her children.
The “Tess Crosley” Factor: Tension boiled over when Jules commented on a post by former friend Tess Crosley, telling her to “take these [pictures] down” and calling her an “idiot” for posting old celebration photos. Crosley has since been identified as a figure at the center of the fallout.
January 2, 2026: Neale fronted a dramatic press conference, confirming the separation and his immediate resignation from the leadership group.
“While I won’t go into specifics, I can say that I have let my family down and I apologise for my actions that have let down those that are closest to me. And for that, I am deeply sorry.” — Lachie Neale
USA and World news updates 2025
Impact on the Brisbane Lions
Neale has been the cornerstone of the Lions’ success, leading the club to back-to-back premierships in 2024 and 2025. His departure from the captaincy marks a seismic shift for the reigning premiers as they eye a “three-peat.”
Leadership Changes:
Harris Andrews is currently the sole captain. While the club may vote on a new co-captain, Andrews is widely expected to lead alone in 2026.
Hugh McCluggage and Josh Dunkley, the current vice-captains, are the leading candidates to fill the leadership void.
Internal Shock: Reports suggest teammates were only informed of the decision shortly before the public announcement on Friday morning.
Future in Doubt: A Return to WA?
Speculation is rampant regarding Neale’s future in Queensland beyond the 2026 season. With his wife and children currently in Western Australia, Neale’s contract status has become a major talking point.
Contract Status: Neale’s current deal expires at the end of 2026, making him an unrestricted free agent.
Potential Trade: While he has committed to the Lions for the upcoming season, he notably refused to guarantee his future with the club long-term, sparking rumors of a return to a Perth-based club like Fremantle or West Coast.
Lachie Neale Career Highlights
Achievement
Brownlow Medals
2 (2020, 2023)
Premierships
2 (2024, 2025)
All-Australian
4 Selections
Merrett-Murray Medals
4 (Lions Best & Fairest)
Current Club
Brisbane Lions
FAQ: Lachie Neale and the Lions
Q: What did Lachie Neale do to his wife? Neale has not addressed specific rumors of cheating, but he publicly apologized for “actions” that caused a “betrayal” of his family’s trust. Jules Neale has characterized the situation as “irreconcilable.”
Q: Who is Tess Crosley? Tess Crosley is a former close friend of Jules Neale. The two had a public falling out on social media following the betrayal, with Jules demanding Crosley remove photos featuring the Neales from her account.
Q: Is Lachie Neale still playing for the Brisbane Lions? Yes. He remains a senior player and is “fully committed” to the 2026 season, though he is no longer in the captaincy or leadership group.
Professional Tip: Personal Accountability in the Spotlight
When a high-profile athlete faces a personal crisis, the best path forward is often transparency regarding the professional impact. Neale’s decision to step down as captain allows him to focus on personal “work” while removing a potential distraction from the Lions’ quest for a third consecutive flag.
