- Competed in pre-season match against Gold Coast Suns
Brisbane Lions star Lachie Neale has send a powerful message to his supporters that his marriage breakdown will not impact his AFL season as the club looks to emulate its famous threepeat of the early 2000s.
The back-to-back premiers face the Western Bulldogs in the opening round of the 2026 competition on March 7.
And it comes after an off-season where Neale’s marriage breakdown has dominated headlines.
Neale confirmed in early 2026 that he and his wife Jules had separated after several years of marriage.
He issued a public apology, saying he had let his family down and accepted responsibility for the breakdown.
Jules returned to Perth with their two children while Neale remained in Brisbane due to his AFL commitments.
Lachie Neale vowed his personal struggles would not derail Brisbane Lions’ AFL premiership defence ambitions this upcoming season
Neale reassured supporters through social media, posting training imagery alongside Red Hot Chili Peppers song ‘Can’t Stop’
Images shared with children Freddie and Piper showed Neale adjusting emotionally while balancing professional football responsibilities
Following the separation, Neale stepped down as co-captain of the Brisbane Lions ahead of the 2026 season.
The couple also sold their Brisbane family home, formally ending their shared life in Queensland.
Despite the personal situation, Neale continued training with the Lions and remained available for selection.
The situation brought off-field scrutiny and raised questions about his long-term future, but the club maintained its focus on the season.
Now Neale has issued a message that will encourage Lions supporters, sharing a social media post declaring he is locked onto the task at hand.
Neale shared an image of him playing along with the Red Hot Chilli Peppers hit song Can’t Stop to his Instagram Story.
The choice of song suggests Neale still has the drive to keep competing and regardless of pressure, setbacks or expectations.
Neale also shared happy images with his children Freddie and Piper, who are living in Western Australia with their mother, showing he is adapting to single dad life.
Neale confirmed separation from wife Jules, apologised publicly, and accepted responsibility for marriage breakdown earlier this year
Neale played in Brisbane’s preseason win against Gold Coast, signalling readiness for the demanding AFL campaign ahead
It comes after the Lions prevailed in a pre-season hitout against Queensland rivals Gold Coast this week.
A near full-strength Suns started hot in Thursday’s final preseason clash before next week’s Opening Round matches but the hosts rallied to win 19.12 (126) to 11.11 (101).
Neale played in the clash, as he looks to prove his mind is on the job this season.
Brisbane A-listers Cam Rayner, Dayne Zorko and Harris Andrews all sat out the clash while Oscar Allen and Ryan Lester missed the contest with concussions sustained last week.
In their absence fit-again pair Keidean Coleman and Lincoln McCarthy impressed to give coach Chris Fagan welcome headaches ahead of next Saturday’s date with the Bulldogs at the Gabba.
Coleman, who played just one AFL game last season after tearing his anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in the first game of the 2024 season, was prolific and incisive through the engine room.