Who kept the keys?: AFL’s high-profile split revealed

A familiar story: an AFL star and his wife seem to have it all, only for their marriage to crumble under the media’s gaze.

But amid the headlines and gossip, the question remains: who gets the keys to the house?

Here’s a look at the AFL’s top divisions and what’s happening at home.

NATHAN AND TANIA BUCKLEY

In 2007, Tania Buckley bought a Melbourne mansion with her then-husband, AFL star Nathan Buckley, for $3.92m.

The former AFL couple split in 2020 and Toorak’s home stayed with him during the divorce.

Tania has ended a year-long bid to sell a Toorak mansion worth nearly $10m.

He first sold the luxury residence in March 2024 with a price guide of $16.8m-$18m. It was relisted in October of that year with an asking price of $15m-$16.5m.

Industry sources put the final price at $13.1m, well above the $3.92m the Buckleys paid.

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Tania Buckley has sold the family home in Toorak. Image: Provided

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GARRY AND MELISSA LYON

After Garry Lyon split from wife Melissa in 2016, the couple rented out their home in the affluent suburb of Deepdene.

The property was sold for $6.8m in May 2015, shortly before it was revealed the Melbourne legend was dating Nicky Brownless, his ex-wife.

Lyon later resigned from The Footy Show and is set to marry Nicky this year.

Former couple Billy and Nicky Brownless stood up to Melissa and Garry Lyon before the AFL’s biggest scandal finally emerged. Image: Provided

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The property sold for $6.8m in May 2015. Image: Provided

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BILLY AND NICKY BROWNLESS

In 2015, Billy Brownless split from his wife Nicky before moving on with Garry Lyon.

“It was public, public,” the 53-year-old told Australian entertainer Rhonda Burchmore on I’m a Celebrity … Get Me Out of Here! in 2020.

CoreLogic records show Nicky bought a four-bedroom house in Newtown, Geelong, for $1.55m in early 2013. He sold the property for $2.075m in May 2018.

Nicky sold a 4-bedroom house in Newtown, Geelong, for $2.075m in 2018.

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JIMMY AND NADIA BARTEL

Brownlow award winner Jimmy Bartel and his promoter wife Nadia split in 2019, five years after tying the knot.

In 2020, the former couple bought a buyer for their “upscale” St Kilda West home. The high-end couple fetched $3.915m for a stunning five-bedroom house that was sold privately.

The Bartels paid $3.76m for the property in September 2017. The 1904 landmark also has links to singer Nick Cave.

Jimmy Bartel and his promoter wife Nadia separated in 2019. Photo: nadiabartel/Instagram

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In 2020, the former couple bought a buyer for their “upscale” St Kilda West home.

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PIA AND BRAD MILLER

Former Home and Away star Pia Miller and retired Demons player Brad Miller cut ties with their former Melbourne base in 2018.

The pair have sold the two-bedroom Elwood townhouse they once shared for $1.165m.

The sale represents a major financial win for the former couple, who split in 2015. Brad bought the original property for $540,000 in 2005.

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The pair have sold the two-bedroom Elwood townhouse they once shared for $1.165m. Image: Provided

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GARY AND AMIE ROHAN

The high school sweethearts were married for four years before splitting in 2020 following the Covid-19 hub bubble.

Rohan later went public with Geelong physiotherapist Madi Bennett, to whom he is now married.

The former Cats player has sold his former Coogee home ahead of a scheduled auction for $1.4m.

He had originally paid $1,015,000 for the St. Jude property in 2014. The unit was fetching $900 a week in rent before the sale.

Amie Rohan and Gary Rohan were married for four years before splitting in 2020. Photo: Instagram

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James and Tania Hird split last year after 27 years of marriage. Photo: Mark Stewart

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JAMES AND TANIA HIRD

The former Bombers coach and designer wife Tania split last year after 27 years of marriage.

While keeping the news of their marriage breakdown quiet, the double premiership player moved out of the Toorak family home. There are no recorded sales of the property.

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