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Report: Neale steps down as Brisbane captain
SEN •  January 2nd, 2026 12:15 pm
Two-time Brisbane Lions premiership co-captain Lachie Neale has stepped down from his leadership role, reports Seven’s Mitch Cleary.
According to Cleary, Brisbane’s playing group was informed of the news on Friday morning.
Neale steps away just months after helping Brisbane win the 2024 premiership.
He took over as skipper in 2023 alongside Harris Andrews, with the duo replacing Dayne Zorko.
Since taking over, Neale and Andrews have led Brisbane to Grand Finals in every season they’ve skippered, winning two and losing one.
Neale’s decision comes amid off-field reports of a marriage breakdown, although it has not been reported that this has had anything to do with the decision.
Brisbane’s players, who remain on their Christmas break, are due back at pre-season training next week.
If Brisbane opts for co-captains again, vice-captains Josh Dunkley and Hugh McCluggage loom as options to support Andrews.
Neale co-captained Brisbane in 74 games, winning 52 of them.
The Lions begin their quest for a three-peat of premierships in 2026 with an Opening Round clash against the Western Bulldogs at the Gabba on March 7.
