Lachie Neale steps down as Brisbane Lions co-captain after back-to-back premierships amid marriage breakdown with Jules

Dual Brisbane premiership co-captain Lachie Neale has stepped down from his leadership position.

Lions players were informed on Friday morning that Neale would be vacating the role, three months after leading the club to back-to-back flags.

It comes amid reports of the dual Brownlow medallist experiencing a marriage breakdown in recent weeks.

The Lions remain on their AFL-mandated Christmas break and are due to return to pre-season training next week.

Brisbane confirmed Neale’s decision in a statement ahead of a press conference on Friday.

“The 32-year-old determined this was the best move for him and the club following a challenging personal period,” the Lions said.

Neale lifted September’s premiership cup alongside co-captain Harris Andrews for the second consecutive year.

It was the pair’s third season at the helm having replaced standalone captain Dayne Zorko ahead of the 2023 campaign.

The Lions will now need to decide whether to chase a three-peat with Andrews as sole skipper or appoint a replacement co-captain.

Premiership vice-captains Josh Dunkley and Hugh McCluggage would head the queue of contenders to partner Andrews should the Lions again opt for co-captains.

Neale was initially ruled out for the remainder of the 2025 season after suffering a calf injury in the Lions’ qualifying final loss to Geelong.

However, after a miraculous recovery, he proved his fitness and played a starring role as sub in the second half of the grand final victory over the Cats.

The 32-year-old will become a free agent at the end of the 2026 season.