In a move that has sent shockwaves through the AFL community, Brisbane Lions co-captain and star defender Harris Andrews has relinquished his leadership role, effective immediately. The club confirmed the bombshell decision on Wednesday, January 2, 2026.
A Sudden End to a Co-Captaincy Era
The Brisbane Lions announced that Harris Andrews has stepped down from his position as co-captain of the club. Andrews, a pillar of the Lions' defence and a revered figure within the playing group, had shared the captaincy with superstar midfielder Lachie Neale since the start of the 2023 season.
This leadership model, which saw the two players guide the team to a grand final appearance in 2023, has now come to an abrupt end. The club's statement indicated that Andrews made the personal decision to focus solely on his on-field contributions moving forward.
The 28-year-old key defender is scheduled to front the media at a press conference at the club's headquarters in Springfield on Thursday morning. This will be the first opportunity for Andrews to explain his reasons for stepping aside from one of the most prestigious roles in Australian sport.
Focus Shifts to On-Field Performance
While the specific motivations behind Andrews' decision remain private until his press conference, the club's statement emphasised his desire to concentrate on his football. After carrying the significant burden of leadership for three seasons, Andrews appears to be seeking a return to a simpler focus on his game.
This development leaves Lachie Neale as the Lions' sole captain heading into the 2026 AFL pre-season. Neale, a Brownlow Medallist and one of the competition's most elite players, now assumes full responsibility for leading the playing group. The club has not yet indicated if it will appoint a new co-captain or support leaders to assist Neale.
Harris Andrews remains an absolutely integral part of the Lions' plans for the 2026 season and beyond. His commitment to the club is unwavering, and his decision is viewed internally as a strategic move to ensure he performs at his absolute peak. The Lions will be hoping that freeing Andrews from official leadership duties allows his formidable on-field presence to become even more dominant.
Implications for the Lions' 2026 Campaign
The timing of this announcement, at the very beginning of the new year, gives the Lions ample time to adjust their leadership structure before the serious business of the season begins. It allows Lachie Neale to establish his solo captaincy and for the club to potentially reshape its leadership group.
For fans and pundits, the immediate question is how this change will impact the team's dynamics. Andrews has been a vocal and inspirational leader, particularly in directing the backline. His on-field communication and organisation will remain vital, but the official mantle of responsibility now rests solely with Neale.
This major shift comes as the Brisbane Lions look to rebound from a disappointing 2025 season where they failed to meet lofty premiership expectations. The club's hierarchy will be banking on this leadership recalibration to provide a fresh impetus and clarity of purpose as they chase that elusive premiership flag.
All eyes will now be on Springfield on Thursday morning when Harris Andrews provides his own account of this significant career decision.
