A ‘for sale’ sign has appeared in the front yard of Lachie and Julie Neale’s former marital home in Brisbane, signaling a significant chapter closing in the couple’s life. The AFL star confirmed earlier this month that he and Julie have separated, with Julie relocating to her home state of Western Australia.
On Wednesday, tradies and cleaning staff were observed moving in and out of the $2.43 million five-bedroom residence, situated in the upscale neighborhood of Seven Hills. Some carried boxes of cleaning supplies, while others were seen mopping the floors of the luxurious property, which the couple purchased in 2022.
The Home Once Called ‘Forever’
Described as their ‘forever home’, the Brisbane property features three bathrooms, a pool, and an entertainment deck. It seems some personal belongings were still present, as one individual, notably wearing Brisbane Lions shorts, was seen removing a set of golf clubs from the house. The garage, however, appeared mostly cleared out, save for a wall-mounted vacuum cleaner and a refrigerator.
While the property has yet to be officially listed online, McGrath Estate Agents have already placed a ‘for sale’ sign prominently on the front lawn. Prior to moving into this luxurious abode, which also boasts an alfresco dining space and a BBQ patio, the Neales resided in nearby Coorparoo. The couple, married in 2018, reportedly made a $1 million profit from the sale of their previous home.
Personal Turmoil and Public Speculation
Speculation about the couple’s marital issues surfaced in December, culminating in Lachie’s announcement on January 3 that they had separated and that he was stepping down as the Brisbane Lions captain. Julie later revealed she felt ‘betrayed in the most unimaginable way,’ further fueling media attention.
Adding to the drama, Julie confronted her former friend Tess Crosley on Instagram, demanding the removal of a photo celebrating the Lions’ premiership victory. The post, however, was later deleted.
In the wake of their separation, Lachie has reportedly moved into a bachelor pad in Brisbane, while Julie has taken their children, Piper and Freddie, to Western Australia. Julie has also severed ties with Lachie’s agents, TGI Sport, and has signed with the top talent agency One DayDream.
Future Prospects and Professional Decisions
Lachie Neale’s contract with the Brisbane Lions is set to expire after the 2026 season, leaving his future with the club uncertain. On January 3, he addressed the media, expressing regret for his actions and announcing his decision to step down from his leadership role.
‘I understand the interest in my personal life, but these are personal matters, and I won’t be answering any questions on that topic today,’ Neale stated. ‘I can confirm, though, that with regret, Jules and I have now separated. While I won’t go into specifics, I can say that I have let my family down, and I apologize for my actions, which have hurt those closest to me — and for that, I am deeply sorry.’
Lions coach Chris Fagan has also commented on Neale’s future, acknowledging that as an unrestricted free agent, Neale has the freedom to decide his next steps. Fagan expressed hope that Neale would remain with the Lions but acknowledged the possibility of him moving back to Perth to be closer to his children.
‘He probably needs the next six or seven months to see what the next right step is. I hope he stays and plays with us. But if he chooses to move back to Perth, because he needs to be close to his children, then he’ll do that with our blessing,’ Fagan remarked.
Looking Ahead
The sale of the Seven Hills property marks a significant transition for both Lachie and Julie Neale. As they navigate their personal and professional lives, the public remains keenly interested in the future paths they will choose. For Lachie, the focus will likely be on rebuilding personal relationships and determining his career trajectory, while Julie appears to be embracing new professional opportunities in Western Australia.
As the story continues to unfold, it serves as a reminder of the complex interplay between personal lives and public personas, particularly for those in the spotlight. The Neales’ journey is one of many that illustrate the challenges and opportunities that arise from such high-profile changes.
