AFL

Shock new details about how Jules Neale — the wife of AFL star Lachie Neale — discovered she had been ‘betrayed in the most unimaginable way’ have emerged.

7NEWS understands the star forward is unlikely for Opening Round after a difficult period off the field.

Tom – the son of Stephen and brother of Jack – was in December jailed for more than six years after he was found guilty of two counts of rape.

‘I’m very lucky to have a home still. We’ve kept our home and a lot of other people haven’t.’

Collingwood star Bobby Hill has been granted leave from the club as he works through his ‘personal situation’. 

The detail has emerged following the explosive scandal.

Brisbane Lions coach Chris Fagan won't stand in the way of Lachie Neale if the former co-captain chooses to depart at season's end.

An exchange of comments between Lachie Neale and Tess Crosley on an old social media post has raised eyebrows in light of the Brisbane player’s marriage breakdown. 

‘It’s aggressive and it’s quick growing.’

In the space of four months Lachie Neale has gone from dual-premiership captain and Brownlow medallist to a man whose reputation and integrity is in question and the impact could be felt well beyond the field.

The mum-of-two is looking to the future as the pair go their separate ways.

He is being remembered as a ‘beautiful, loyal and strong’ man.

After confirming the breakdown of his marriage to his Perth-raised wife Jules, Lachie Neale says he has not “really considered” his football future beyond the expiry of his Brisbane contract in 2026.

CRAIG O’DONOGHUE: Brisbane will be crossing their fingers that Lachie Neale’s extremely public marriage problems don’t ruin their premiership dreams.

Brisbane star Lachie Neale has broken his silence and confirmed reports of his marriage breaking down as he stood down as co-captain of the reigning premiers. Here’s what he had to say.