Harris Andrews has firmly dismissed any question marks surrounding the culture at the Brisbane Lions following the breakdown of Lachie Neale’s marriage.
The 29-year-old key defender, who will co-captain the side alongside Josh Dunkley and Hugh McCluggage, added that club bosses and senior coach Chris Fagan have spoken with the playing group about how they can wrap their arms around Lachie and his wife Julie.
‘We understand that it’s a topic of interest, our culture,’ Andrews told Code Sports.
‘I’m really confident as someone who’s been co-captain for the last four years that we have a great culture internally. I see the day-to-day. I see what happens.
‘It’s something that might be questioned externally and that’s not justified, I don’t think.
‘I can’t control what people’s opinions are.’
Harris Andrews has firmly dismissed any question marks surrounding the culture at the Brisbane Lions following the breakdown of Lachie Neale’s marriage
Neale announced at the start of the year that he and his wife Julie (pictured) were separating
‘I can only go on what I’m seeing at the club every day, and I’m seeing a lot of hungry young footballers who want to improve their football but also be good citizens at the same time.’
Rumours had begun to emerge last year that the Neales were experiencing some difficulties in their relationship.
Julie took to social media in December to address that speculation, writing on Instagram: ‘I want to make it very clear that I am not “working through” anything. I have been betrayed in the most unimaginable way.’
The freelance hairstylist, who celebrated her 36th birthday over the weekend, is understood to have moved back to Western Australia with the couple’s two children, Piper and Freddie.
Lachie subsequently moved out of the couple’s marital home, which was sold at auction for $3.2million on Saturday.
In January, Lachie, who is in the final year of his contract with the club, fronted reporters at the beginning of January to address the matter while announcing that he was stepping down as the Lions captain.
‘While I won’t go into specifics, I can say that I have let my family down and I apologise for my actions that have let down those who are closest to me. And for that I am deeply sorry,’ he said, announcing the couple’s separation.
‘I accept the consequences of my actions, and I need to focus on rebuilding that trust with Jules as the future wellbeing of our children remains our No 1 priority.’
Andrews, who hoisted the Premiership Cup alongside Fagan and Neale back in September, explained that he and the rest of the playing group wanted the best for his team-mate
Andrews revealed that members of the playing group had spoken about the Neales and affirmed to be supportive of all parties
The Lions have been rocked by two other relationship splits in the last few months, with Jack Payne and his partner Bronte Dagg said to have parted ways, while Will Ashcroft and Summer Finn have also separated.
Neale, meanwhile, has returned to pre-season training, but has been jetting back and forth from Queensland to WA to see his children.
Lions boss Fagan recently revealed that the dual Brownlow Medallist had been working through what the dual premiership-winning coach believed was one of his best pre-seasons on record.
Andrews, who hoisted the Premiership Cup alongside Fagan and Neale back in September, explained that he and the rest of the playing group wanted the best for his team-mate.
‘We talked about it, some of the older guys at the club and Fages (coach Chris Fagan) and Danny (Daly, Lions football boss) and those guys about making sure we wrap our arms around Lach and wrap our arms around (former wife) Jules, and just try and be supportive of all stakeholders,’ Andrews said.
‘It was understandable for him [Lachie] to want to step away and focus on him for a bit, which as teammates we just want to see the best for Lach.
‘I’m excited about getting Hughy and Dunks on board as co-captains, who are unbelievable leaders in their own right and two guys that you couldn’t find more motivated and passionate about the footy club.’
Now looking to guide his side to a three-peat, Andrews explained that he was grateful to Neale for all the advice he has given him over the past few years.
Andrews (left) added that he was grateful to Neale (right) for teaching him about the leadership role
‘From a captaincy standpoint, I really appreciate and admire what Lach’s brought to the table. It’s been a real privilege working closely with him in the leadership space and I’ve learned a lot from him in that.’
Speaking on his side’s hopes of gaining their third straight premiership, Andrews said: ‘It’s going to be a good challenge for us this year – we’re going to have every team in the comp coming for us, and watching what we do.
‘But we’re really confident that we’ve got a good, hardworking group that just want to keep improving and we’re not going to worry about what happens towards the end of the season.
‘It’s about getting a good start and we go from there.’
The Lions begin their AFL title defence against the Western Bulldogs on March 7.
