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Lachie Neale Steps Down as Brisbane Lions Co-Captain; AFL Considers Grand Final Time and 2027 Date Shift

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AFL News Roundup: Leadership Changes, Grand Final Plans & Tribunal Outcomes

Lachie Neale Steps Down as Lions Co-Captain

Brisbane Lions player Lachie Neale announced his decision to step down as co-captain and leave the club's leadership group on January 2.

In a statement, Neale cited a "challenging personal period" and confirmed a separation from his wife, Jules. He stated he had "let my family down" and that the decision was his own, allowing the club to "move forward with a fresh start."

Club Response and New Leadership

The club acknowledged Neale's decision. Coach Chris Fagan stated it was a "sensible decision" given the circumstances. The Lions have since implemented a new leadership model, appointing Harris Andrews, Josh Dunkley, and Hugh McCluggage as co-captains for the upcoming season.

Contract and Future Speculation

Neale, 32, is an unrestricted free agent at the end of the 2026 season. He has committed to playing for the Lions in 2026. Regarding his future beyond that, Neale stated he had not made a decision but acknowledged a need to spend more time in Perth with his children. Coach Fagan said the club would not impede a move if Neale chose to relocate to be closer to his family.

AFL Grand Final Scheduling Under Review

The AFL is engaged in separate processes concerning the timing and date of the Grand Final.

Time Slot Review

The AFL Commission is scheduled to decide on a potential permanent change to the Grand Final time slot, moving it from a traditional afternoon start to a twilight or night event.

A decision is expected at a Commission meeting in late April or early May. The league states the review will consider what is best for the sport, its fans, and its future.

2027 Date Change

Separate reports indicate the AFL is planning to move the 2027 Grand Final to October. This is due to the MCG hosting a cricket Test match in March 2027, which would necessitate a later start to the AFL season. The fixture is expected to be finalized in the coming weeks.

Other AFL News

Player Tribunal and Suspensions

  • Hawthorn captain James Sicily and former vice-captain Dylan Moore each received one-match suspensions for off-the-ball strikes and will miss their team's next match.
  • Port Adelaide's Zak Butters was cleared of a charge related to an alleged comment made to an umpire after a successful appeal. The Appeal Board found an error in law in the initial Tribunal hearing.

Medical and Administrative Updates

  • The AFL stated its ARC (Avenue for Review of Concussion) doctor was wrong to rule Essendon's Tom Edwards out of a match for a concussion assessment after the Essendon doctor had cleared him to play.
  • Collingwood coach Craig McRae stated he will meet with Scott Pendlebury to discuss plans for Pendlebury's upcoming record-breaking game, where he is set to surpass the all-time VFL/AFL games record.

Legal and Operational Matters

  • Former Carlton rookie Joe Dare, 34, has been charged with theft, obtaining property by deception, and offences under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act. The charges relate to the alleged theft of approximately 40 cattle from a property in Pirron Yallock in February. Police located the cattle at an abattoir before they were slaughtered.
  • The AFL is expected to announce changes to the draft bidding system for Academy and father-son linked players, aiming to increase the acquisition cost for clubs. An announcement is anticipated within weeks.
  • AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon confirmed that games in Queensland for the Opening Round would proceed as scheduled despite forecasts of heavy rainfall, clarifying conditions were not comparable to those that caused cancellations the previous year.