In a significant off-season development, the Brisbane Lions will enter the new year with a major leadership decision to make after co-captain Lachie Neale stepped down from his role.
Neale Vacates Leadership Role
Lachie Neale, the dual Brownlow Medallist and dual premiership co-captain, informed his Brisbane Lions teammates of his decision on Friday morning. This move comes just three months after he and Harris Andrews lifted the AFL premiership cup for a second consecutive year in September.
The announcement arrives amid widespread reports that the 32-year-old star is navigating a marriage breakdown. The Lions players are currently on their AFL-mandated Christmas break and are scheduled to return to pre-season training next week.
Leadership Legacy and Immediate Future
Neale and Andrews had shared the captaincy for three seasons, taking over from standalone skipper Dayne Zorko ahead of the 2023 campaign. Their tenure was remarkably successful, culminating in historic back-to-back flags.
The club's hierarchy must now determine whether to proceed with Andrews as the sole captain for the 2025 season or appoint a new co-captain to partner him. The most likely candidates to step into a leadership vacancy are premiership vice-captains Josh Dunkley and Hugh McCluggage.
Injury Comeback and Contract Status
Neale's 2024 season was itself a story of resilience. He was initially ruled out for the remainder of the year after suffering a calf injury during the Lions' qualifying final loss to Geelong. Defying expectations, he engineered a miraculous recovery, proved his fitness, and played a crucial role as the substitute in the second half of the grand final victory over the Cats.
Looking ahead, the champion midfielder is contracted until the end of the 2026 season, at which point he will become a free agent. His focus is now expected to be solely on his football as the Lions prepare their bid for a historic three-peat.
