Brisbane Lions star Lachie Neale breaks silence amid reports of marriage problems and steps down as captain

Brisbane Lions star Lachie Neale has broken his silence and apologised for the actions which led to his marriage falling apart, while standing down as the club’s co-captain.

Neale’s off-field life descended into public turmoil before Christmas amid reports of his marriage with wife Jules breaking down.

Neale confirmed those were reports are true.

“I can confirm that, with regret, Jules and I have now separated,” Neale said in a press conference.

“While I won’t go into specifics, I can say that I have let my family down and I apologise for my actions which has hurt those closest to me. For that I am deeply sorry.

“I accept this is a consequence for my actions and I need to focus on re-building that trust with Jules as the future well being of our children remains our number one priority. I am extremely disappointed in myself and I have put plans in place and measures in place to do the work on myself so i can be the best version of myself moving forward.

“Given the personal matters that I am currently working through, I have made the decision to stand down as co-captain and from the leadership group effective immediately.

“I am extremely disappointed in my actions and the breakdown of my marriage which I take full responsibility for. It hurts.

“I understand that I am a role model and I’ve probably let fans, not just of the Brisbane Lions but of the AFL down. I accept that responsibility.”

The 32-year-old spent three seasons as Lions co-captain, alongside key defender Harris Andrews, and the club played in the grand final each year, winning the premiership in 2024 and 2025.

Neale started his career at Fremantle and played 135 games for the club while winning two Doig Medals before moving to Brisbane where he won two Brownlow Medals, four club best-and-fairest awards, and was selected in four All-Australian teams.

He is due to play his 300th game against Melbourne at the MCG in round six.

The Lions must now decide whether to appoint a replacement for Neale as co-captain or enter 2026 with Andrews as the sole skipper.

Midfielders Hugh McCluggage and Josh Dunkley were the club’s two vice-captains last season.

The Lions are on their Christmas break and will return to the club next week to begin training again.

But Neale has already been in contact with many of them in recent weeks.

“I’ve spoken to my teammates,” he said. “I feel like they’ll have my back. So I’m looking forward to the 8th of Jan when I can see them face to face.

“I’ve spoken to quite a few of them.”