Brisbane Lions Co-Captain Dismisses Culture Concerns Amidst Personal Turmoil
Harris Andrews, a key defender and incoming co-captain for the Brisbane Lions, has publicly addressed and firmly refuted any suggestions that the club’s internal culture is in question following the highly publicised breakdown of teammate Lachie Neale’s marriage. Andrews, who will share leadership duties with Josh Dunkley and Hugh McCluggage, emphasised the club’s commitment to supporting all parties involved.
Speaking about the situation, Andrews stated that both club management and senior coach Chris Fagan have engaged with the playing group, discussing how they can collectively offer support to Lachie Neale and his former wife, Julie.
“We understand that it’s a topic of interest, our culture,” Andrews told Code Sports. “I’m really confident as someone who’s been co-captain for the last four years that we have a great culture internally. I see the day-to-day. I see what happens. It’s something that might be questioned externally and that’s not justified, I don’t think. I can’t control what people’s opinions are.”
He continued, “I can only go on what I’m seeing at the club every day, and I’m seeing a lot of hungry young footballers who want to improve their football but also be good citizens at the same time.”
The personal struggles of Lachie Neale first began to surface publicly last year. In December, Julie Neale took to social media to confirm the marital difficulties, posting on Instagram: “I want to make it very clear that I am not ‘working through’ anything. I have been betrayed in the most unimaginable way.”
It is understood that Julie, a freelance hairstylist, has since relocated back to Western Australia with the couple’s two young children, Piper and Freddie. Lachie Neale has subsequently moved out of the former marital home, which was reportedly sold at auction for $3.2 million.
In January, Neale, who is in the final year of his contract with the Lions, addressed the media at the commencement of pre-season training. At that time, he also announced his decision to step down as club captain.
“While I won’t go into specifics, I can say that I have let my family down and I apologise for my actions that have let down those who are closest to me. And for that I am deeply sorry,” Neale stated, confirming the separation. He added, “I accept the consequences of my actions, and I need to focus on rebuilding that trust with Jules as the future wellbeing of our children remains our No 1 priority.”
The Brisbane Lions have unfortunately seen other relationship breakdowns within the playing group in recent months. Reports indicate that defender Jack Payne and his partner Bronte Dagg have parted ways, and Will Ashcroft and Summer Finn have also separated.
Neale, meanwhile, has returned to pre-season training but has been making frequent trips between Queensland and Western Australia to spend time with his children. Senior coach Chris Fagan recently commented on Neale’s dedication, noting that the dual Brownlow Medallist was undertaking what the coach described as one of his most impressive pre-seasons on record.
Andrews, who celebrated the club’s 2023 AFL Grand Final victory alongside Fagan and Neale, reiterated the team’s collective desire to support their teammate through this challenging period.
“We talked about it, some of the older guys at the club and Fages (coach Chris Fagan) and Danny (Daly, Lions football boss) and those guys about making sure we wrap our arms around Lach and wrap our arms around (former wife) Jules, and just try and be supportive of all stakeholders,” Andrews explained. “It was understandable for him [Lachie] to want to step away and focus on him for a bit, which as teammates we just want to see the best for Lach.”
Andrews also expressed his enthusiasm for the upcoming season with his new co-captains. “I’m excited about getting Hughy and Dunks on board as co-captains, who are unbelievable leaders in their own right and two guys that you couldn’t find more motivated and passionate about the footy club.”
Looking ahead to the Lions’ pursuit of a third consecutive premiership, Andrews acknowledged the significant advice Neale has provided him over the years.
“From a captaincy standpoint, I really appreciate and admire what Lach’s brought to the table. It’s been a real privilege working closely with him in the leadership space and I’ve learned a lot from him in that.”
Reflecting on the team’s aspirations for the upcoming season, Andrews anticipates a tough challenge. “It’s going to be a good challenge for us this year – we’re going to have every team in the comp coming for us, and watching what we do. But we’re really confident that we’ve got a good, hardworking group that just want to keep improving and we’re not going to worry about what happens towards the end of the season. It’s about getting a good start and we go from there.”
The Brisbane Lions are set to commence their AFL title defence against the Western Bulldogs on March 7.
