Brisbane Lions coach Chris Fagan has provided a positive update on star midfielder Lachie Neale, insisting the dual Brownlow medallist is experiencing his best pre-season in years despite navigating well-publicised personal difficulties.
Personal Challenges and Professional Focus
The 32-year-old football champion relinquished his co-captaincy role in January amid a highly publicised marriage breakdown that captured national attention. The situation escalated when Neale's wife Jules took to social media to express feelings of profound betrayal, revealing the couple's separation.
Subsequent reports indicated Neale had been involved in an affair with Tess Crosley, who was previously regarded as Jules' closest friend. This personal turmoil has unfolded against the backdrop of Neale's professional commitments as one of Brisbane's most celebrated players since his move from Fremantle at the end of 2018.
Coaching Perspective on Performance
Coach Fagan has confirmed that despite intense media scrutiny surrounding Neale's personal life, the decorated midfielder remains fully focused on his football responsibilities. "It hasn't really affected things too much," Fagan told SEN radio. "It's not like we sit around having meetings with the players and talk about it. It's just been myself, (Lions football boss) Danny (Daly) and Lachie."
Fagan emphasised Neale's exceptional training performance, stating: "To Lachie's credit, in terms of the way that he's training and going about things, he's having his best pre-season in a long while. Normally, he's finished (other seasons) quite injured and been in rehab, but this year he had no injury. He's been able to train fully and is in the best shape he's been in for ages."
Life Changes and Future Considerations
The personal developments have prompted significant lifestyle changes for Neale, who has moved out of the couple's $2.43 million marital home in Seven Hills. The property, once considered their "forever home," now displays a 'for sale' sign as both parties move forward separately.
Looking ahead, Neale is expected to return to Western Australia next year to be closer to his two children, who have relocated there with their mother. However, for the current season, he remains an integral component of Brisbane's ambitious campaign to secure a third consecutive AFL premiership.
Event Postponement and Season Preparation
Recent scheduling adjustments have seen a planned public appearance by Neale postponed. The midfielder was due to participate in a live show entitled 'Lions Three-Peat Quest' alongside teammate Dayne Zorko on Queensland's Sunshine Coast, but organisers have rescheduled the event to March 19.
Event representatives cited ticket sales as the reason for postponement, confirming that Neale will no longer appear at the rescheduled Q&A session. This development comes as the Lions prepare for their season opener against the Western Bulldogs at the Gabba on March 7.
Fagan concluded his assessment of Neale's current situation by noting: "He's in a good place at the moment, obviously got a bit going on personally, but he seems to be coping with that pretty well." This endorsement from the coaching staff highlights Neale's professional resilience as Brisbane embarks on their historic three-peat pursuit.
