Lachie Neale is the Brisbane Lions co-captain, a Brownlow Medallist and All-Australian. He is resigning from his leadership position to devote time to personal challenges of his own in life. The 32-year-old midfielder, who has led the team to consecutive premierships alongside fellow captain Harris Andrews, cited ongoing off-field headlines regarding his personal life as the catalyst for his resignation.
Neale now resigns from the captaincy during a time of great change in his personal life. This includes how he’s coped with his recent separation from wife, Jules Neale. According to reports, Jules and their kids have since settled down in Perth. Neale’s started his Australian Football League (AFL) career on the right foot with Fremantle over there. As for Neale, she’s committed to making it through this challenging stretch. He deeply wants to restore his shattered trust with his family while ensuring that their well-being comes first.
“I acknowledge Lachie’s decision to step down as co-captain and from the leadership group,” said Danny Daly, Brisbane Lions’ football manager, emphasizing the club’s support for Neale during this time.
Neale had considered giving up his leadership role over the past year. Today, he announced that he is resigning as co-captain. Because of personal matters that he is working through, he departs the leadership circle effective immediately. Having been a captain and leader of the Lions has been a huge honour but it is time for the club to move forward with a fresh start.
Even with his relinquishing of the captaincy, Neale will still be pivotal as he remains integral to the overall strength of the Lions’ midfield. He displayed extraordinary toughness this year by overcoming a season-ending calf injury in the opening week of the finals. Having entered the field as a sub at the start of the second half, he had a massive influence in the decider to the tune of 17 impactful disposals.
Neale shared a bit about his journey out of the leadership circle and accepted personal responsibility for his departure. He realized the lasting effects those actions were still having on the people he loved most. I won’t delve too much into the specifics, but suffice to say, I’ve disappointed my family. I am truly sorry for my behavior, which has hurt the people I love most in this world. For that I am profoundly sorry,” he said.
In his public comments, Neale further acknowledged the requirement for discretion during this period of change. “I understand as a public figure there is interest in my personal life, however I do ask that the privacy of Jules and my children be respected as we work through our new situation and the next chapter of our lives,” he remarked.
Neale’s dedication to growth was inspiring, as he spoke about moments where he was let down by his own performance and detailed how he would do better. He told me his deep disappointment with himself. To avoid that fate, he made amends and enacted policies and provisions to ensure that he becomes the best version of himself in the future.
Neale is moving on from his unique joint leadership role. He suspects the other people on his team are just itching to step up to the plate with a bit more responsibility. “I definitely feel like he has the ability to do it on his own,” he remarked concerning potential successors. He pointed to Josh Dunkley and Hugh McCluggage as wise strong vice-captains, who have shown those leadership qualities over the last couple of years. “We have a number of guys who could step up,” he noted.
The Lions will go through their regular selection process for leadership positions in the wake of Neale’s resignation. I think we’ll do a vote like we always have and then go from there after those results come,” he said, confirming.
