Newly single Jules Neale hits court at Australian Open weeks after public split from AFL star Lachie Neale

Zach Margolius
PerthNow
Dual Brownlow medallist Lachie Neale has stepped down as Brisbane Lions co-captain following the breakdown of his marriage to wife Jules.

A newly single Jules Neale has spoken about her recent break-up with her AFL husband Lachie Neale, revealing her return home to WA earlier this month provided the “reset” she needed to kickstart 2026.

Landing in Melbourne alongside friend Gabby Morrone to attend the Australian Open, Neale told the Herald Sun she was excited for her debut at the Aussie slam as she reflected on the difficult period.

“This is my first Australian Open and I’m loving Melbourne’s vibe in January, I’m so excited to be here,’’ Neale said.

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“Yes the last few months have been a lot but being back in Perth with family has really helped me reset for 2026.

“Gabby and I are sitting on centre court tonight watching, and honestly I’m loving being back in Melbourne and watching another sport.”

Neale has been invited to sit courtside at Tuesday’s night session as a VIP guest of champagne house Piper-Heidsieck.

With temperatures tipped to reach upwards of 44C in the Victorian capital, Jules dressed light, rocking a baby pink corset and shorts by Melbourne designer Viktoria and Woods as she posed for pre-match photos from The Ritz Carlton.

“Girls just wanna have fun . . . at the AO 💕,” she captioned the images.

Jules has lent on close friends for support after it was alleged her once close friend Tess Crosley had been engaged in an affair with her husband.

Jules Neale (L) in attendance during the Men's Singles Quarter Final match between Carlos Alcaraz of Spain and Alex de Minaur of Australia on day 10 of the 2026 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 27, 2026.
Jules Neale (L) in attendance during the Men's Singles Quarter Final match between Carlos Alcaraz of Spain and Alex de Minaur of Australia on day 10 of the 2026 Australian Open at Melbourne Park on January 27, 2026. Credit: Phil Walter/Getty Images

Late last week, Jules was pictured enjoying a glass of wine with Lizzie Stock — the wife of Dockers player Andy Brayshaw — as well as another friend at a Perth restaurant.

It came after the dual Brownlow medallist touched down at Perth Airport on Thursday night, declining to comment on the purpose of his trip.

As the former couple continue their lives apart, a for-sale sign has been spotted at their former Brisbane residence.

The luxury Hamptons-style home is expected to fetch up to $3.35 million, according to Domain’s property value estimate.

Lachie Neale and Jules Neale with Ben Crosley and Tess Crosley after Brisbane's 2025 grand final win.
Lachie Neale and Jules Neale with Ben Crosley and Tess Crosley after Brisbane's 2025 grand final win. Credit: Katherine Kraayvanger/Instagram

CEO Will Torres of Torres Property told PerthNow earlier this month he expected the home could be worth “something in the low to mid $3 millions”.

Lachie and Jules purchased the newly renovated property, situated in one of Brisbane’s peaceful eastern suburbs for $2.43 million in July 2022 at auction.

They share daughter Piper, 4, and Freddie, 1.

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