Brisbane Lions star Lachie Neale has been pictured looking carefree and focused on the cricket pitch, just weeks after a personal scandal led him to relinquish his club co-captaincy.
A Sunday of Cricket Away from the Spotlight
The 32-year-old dual Brownlow medallist spent his Sunday afternoon playing for the Sluggers cricket team in a Last Man Stands match in Brisbane. Dressed in a blue and yellow jersey, black shorts, and a white cap, Neale was seen laughing with teammates, his trademark confidence seemingly restored. Photographs showed him grinning broadly while clutching a cricket ball and adopting a focused stance at the crease, a world away from the intense media scrutiny he has faced recently.
The Personal Turmoil Behind the Smiles
This laid-back appearance follows the very public breakdown of his marriage to wife Jules. In early January, Neale stepped aside as Brisbane Lions co-captain and fronted a tense press conference on January 2. He confirmed the relationship had broken down, accepted responsibility, and apologised for letting his family down, though he stopped short of directly confirming allegations of infidelity.
Behind the scenes, the situation has escalated. Jules has since returned to Western Australia with the couple's two young children, four-year-old Piper and one-year-old Freddie. Neale has moved into a new bachelor pad in Brisbane, where he was recently photographed shirtless during a low-key gathering. The couple's $2.43 million Seven Hills home is now believed to be vacant or prepared for sale or lease.
Future Uncertain for AFL Star
The scandal first became public in late December, with Jules stating she had been 'betrayed in the most unimaginable way'. Attention has since turned to former Mormon missionary Tess Crosley, who has been named as being at the centre of the marriage breakdown. The situation intensified further recently when Tess's husband broke his silence.
Despite the ongoing saga, Neale appeared unfazed during his cricket match. His professional future also remains a topic of speculation. With his contract running until the end of the 2026 season and status as an unrestricted free agent, there is mounting talk he could seek a move back to Western Australia to be closer to his children – a move Brisbane coach Chris Fagan has indicated the club would support.
