The collapse of Lachie Neale’s marriage leaves questions at the Brisbane Lion’s family home

Brisbane Lions captain Lachie Neale has stepped down from his leadership position at the club and announced his separation from his wife Jules – leaving the fate of their joint family up in the air.

Neale told the media about the news at 11.30am on Friday morning, shortly after the team announced his decision to step down as captain.

Neale told the media on Friday morning that he was “very sorry”. Photo: Nigel Hallett

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“However, I can assure you with regret that Jules and I are now separated,” he said. “Although I will not be specific, I can say that I have disappointed my family and I am sorry for my actions that have disappointed those who are closest to me. And for that I am very sorry.”

Neale and his wife bought their Seven Hills property as a family home for the couple, their two children and their dog Harley.

The five-bedroom, two-story home was purchased at auction in July 2022 for $2.43 million.

The Neale family bought their five-bedroom home in Seven Hills for $2.43 million at auction in July 2022. Photo: Nigel Hallett

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Neale said he spent a lot of time cooking in his home township, and that the house “could be” the family’s forever home. Photo: Nigel Hallett

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In an interview with the Courier Mail in April 2025, Neale said the house “could be” their forever home.

“I love this space,” he said. “Bliss Alfresco put together (our barbecue) for me. They’re a big fan of the team too.”

Jules Neale went public about his views on marriage in an Instagram post on Friday.

“I have been betrayed in a way you can never imagine,” he wrote. “All I can do now is try to heal and do what’s best for my children.”

Tess Crosley, Lachie Neale, Ben Crosley and Jules Neale at the AFL Grand Final. Photo: Instagram

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Neale and Harris Andrews have shared the role of co-captain for the past three seasons. Photo: Nigel Hallett

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“The breakdown of my marriage, I take full responsibility for it,” Neale said at a press conference. “I’m very disappointed in myself.”

The Brisbane Lions said in a statement ahead of the conference that the decision was made due to Neale’s “challenging personal period”.

Neale later told the media that he had “thought about (resigning) for the last 12 months”, with the decision also influenced by the 32-year-old’s age.

Lachie and Jules Neale are reported to have spent time in their home states over the holidays. Photo: Albert Perez/Getty Images

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“I understand the interest in my personal life, but these are personal matters and I will not answer any questions on that topic today,” he said. “I’m fully committed to putting my best foot forward, and I’ll be going into training (soon).”

The pair are reported to be spending Christmas separately at home with family: Lachie Neale in Robe, South Australia, and Jules Neale back in Western Australia.

The couple have yet to comment on the fate of their shared home, and Neale has asked for the family’s privacy to be respected going forward.