- Stunning claim has been made on recent podcast
Embattled Brisbane Lions AFL star Lachie Neale has been linked to two clubs outside Western Australia after originally being tied to a return to Perth to be near his children once his current deal is up.
Neale, a two-time premiership winner who is off-contract at the end of the 2026 AFL season, had been rumoured to be considering a switch to West Coast or a return to Fremantle.
The claims began circulating after his now ex-wife, Jules, moved to Perth with the couple’s two children following their well-publicised break-up.
Footy journalist Cal Twomey has now reported that the Adelaide Crows and St Kilda Saints are also in the hunt for Neale’s services.
‘Brisbane have given their blessing for him to look around given his family situation,’ Twomey said on the Gettable Podcast.
‘Everyone is looking at Fremantle and West Coast as options – they’re obvious … but does he want to finish his career at a club building or a club continuing to challenge for premierships?
Two more AFL teams are rumoured to be interested in Lachie Neale (pictured with ex-wife Jules) playing for them next year
The former couple (pictured after the 2025 grand final) split up earlier this year
Jules (pictured with Lachie) has returned to live in Perth with the couple’s children
‘I think other clubs will try to get involved in this conversation if it drags out too,’ Twomey claimed.
‘So, I’m not just looking at WA, I’m looking at Adelaide, I’m looking at St Kilda… as well.’
Neale stepped down as co-captain of the Brisbane Lions after acknowledging he had ‘let my family down’ following allegations he had an affair with Tess Crosley.
He later said: ‘I have let my family down and I apologise for my actions.’
Ex-wife Jules has since relocated to Perth with the couple’s two young children, while Neale has moved into an apartment in Brisbane.
The AFL star has been given Brisbane coach Chris Fagan’s blessing to work out what comes next in his already illustrious career.
For now, the Lions remain premiership favourites and Neale remains a central figure in their midfield.
