- Brisbane Lions play first match of new season against Western Bulldogs
Embattled Brisbane Lions star Lachie Neale has received public support from longtime teammate Dayne Zorko.
Neale, 32, has recently had his personal life take centre stage due to his marriage breakdown with his wife Jules.
The off-field turmoil led to Neale stepping down from the Lions captaincy role, with questions being asked on how he will cope in 2026.
But Zorko, a 304-game veteran, has thrown his support behind Neale during this difficult time.
‘It’s been a difficult off-season for him, but he’s handled it with a lot of class,’ he told 4BC Radio.
‘He will just let his football do the talking from here on in.
Lachie and Jules Neale (pictured together) have experienced a relationship breakdown across the past few months
Neale (pictured) has been one of the AFL’s biggest stars in the last few seasons
His teammate Dayne Zorko (pictured) has publicly backed him to succeed in 2026
‘What I’ve seen in the practice matches is a real hunger and desire to not only help the team, but continue to be the best footballer he can be,’ Zorko added.
The 37-year-old said his team has their eyes purely on the months ahead in 2026.
‘He (Lachie) will work through his stuff off-field and that’s absolutely supported by our football club, and we’ll support all parties…’ he said.
‘It’s great to see Lachie in a really good headspace and playing some of the footy he is, given what he’s had to deal with through the media in the off-season.’
Neale’s decision to step down as captain has since seen a major change in the leadership ranks.
Harris Andrews, Hugh McCluggage, and Josh Dunkley are now all in leadership roles, in a joint captaincy format.
Neale has played 159 games for the Lions since joining the club from Fremantle in 2019.
The embattled star also captained the club during their back-to-back premierships in 2024 and 2025.
