- Life of Brisbane Lions veteran has been turned upside down
- Separated from his wife after an affair with her best friend
Footy star Lachie Neale has flown to Perth, where the dual-premiership captain from the Brisbane Lions is expected to reunite with his estranged wife Jules and their two young children.
The development comes with the 2026 AFL season just weeks away, with Chris Fagan’s men currently in the middle of a training block.
Brisbane tackle the Western Bulldogs on March 7 at the Gabba in round one as they push for three-successive flags.
It is unknown how long Neale will be in the West, as the midfielder deals with the breakdown of his marriage after an affair with his wife’s former best friend Tess Crosley came to light in December last year.
Jules Neale has already relocated to Perth as she looks to move on with her life.
The couple’s children – Piper, four, and Freddie, one – also swiftly moved from Brisbane, with the ‘forever’ family home in Seven Hills currently on the market.
Footy star Lachie Neale has flown to Perth, where the Brisbane Lions dual-premiership captain is expected to reunite with his estranged wife Jules and their two children
The decorated midfielder is dealing with the breakdown of his marriage after an affair with his wife’s former best friend Tess Crosley came to light in December
Jules Neale will be a guest of champagne sponsor Piper-Heidsieck at the Australian Open next week
Two-time Brownlow Medallist Neale arrived in Perth late on Thursday, dressed casually in a white T-shirt, sweatpants and a baseball cap.
When approached by reporters at Perth Airport, Neale did not confirm the purpose of his trip.
Neale is off-contract at the end of 2026 with Brisbane, but the veteran could seek a release if he lands a deal at Fremantle or West Coast.
The midfielder made his name at the Dockers following his 2012 debut before moving to the Sunshine State in 2019.
According to the West Australian, Neale was not wearing his wedding ring – but appeared to still have a photo of Jules as his phone’s lockscreen.
Fagan wants Neale to stay at the club beyond this year – but will understand if he chooses to move on.
‘I hope he does, but he’s an unrestricted free agent,’ the coach said earlier this month.
‘He can make a call on what he needs to do…he probably needs the next six or seven months to see what the next right step is.
‘As I say, I hope he stays and plays with us. But if he chooses to move back to Perth because he needs to be closer to his children, then he’ll do that with our blessing.
‘We’re not going to hold anyone to ransom.’
