Lachie Neale to play first AFL game in Perth against West Coast since ugly marriage split from wife Jules
The Brisbane star will be back in WA this weekend as rumours continue to swirl about where the dual Brownlow Medallist will play next season after his public marriage split.
Brisbane star Lachie Neale will be back in Perth this weekend as rumours continue to swirl about where the dual Brownlow Medallist will play next season.
The red-hot Lions will take on West Coast at Optus Stadium on Saturday night, with the Eagles just one of a handful of teams linked to Neale, alongside his former side Fremantle.
Neale’s estranged wife Jules and two young children reside in Perth after the couple separated in December last year following a highly-publicised breakdown of their marriage.
Sign up to The Nightly's newsletters.
Get the first look at the digital newspaper, curated daily stories and breaking headlines delivered to your inbox.
By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.This weekend will be the first time Neale plays a game in WA since the public split.
However, Victorian powerhouse Collingwood are considered the favourites to secure the 33-year-old, while it’s understood he has also spoken with fellow Melbourne clubs St Kilda and Essendon.
Neale is set to be an unrestricted free agent when he comes out of contract at the end of the 2026 season.
Brisbane chairman Andrew Wellington said while he would “love it” if he remained at Brisbane, he understood there were other factors at play when it came to Neale making a decision.
“Lachie’s circumstances are well documented,” Wellington told AFL.com.au.
“We understand that his situation right now is probably more complicated than most so he’s got a range of factors he needs to consider.
“We couldn’t be more grateful for what he’s done for our football club. He’s certainly earned the right to sit back and see what’s going to work best for him in what’s left of his career.
“We’d love it if he’d continue to play football at the Lions, but given his circumstances I’d also understand if he chose to see out his career somewhere else.”
Brisbane are much more hopeful of retaining in-demand free agent Zac Bailey, despite rival clubs circling with long-term, multi-million dollar offers.
“I’m optimistic (Bailey will stay),” Wellington said. “I’ve learned in list management you’re only confident once you see a contract signed, but I’m optimistic. We’ll see where that lands.”
Meanwhile, former West Coast captain is set to be available for selection against the Eagles after recovering from a foot injury.
