Lions coach Chris Fagan has jumped to Lachie Neale’s defence, saying there’s “a lot to like” about the Brisbane star despite him cheating on his wife with her best friend.
Fagan — who is yet to confirm his own future in the AFL — spoke candidly to SEN Breakfast on Monday morning following the Lions’ third consecutive premiership win on Saturday.
The 65-year-old said while he understands the scrutiny surrounding Neale, the ongoing publicised “saga” of his personal life was unlike anything he had previously experienced.
“I worked at Hawthorn when Lance Franklin was there, and he was a human headline. But not for the length of time it has been for Lachie,” Fagan told the podcast.
“It’s just been a saga that’s gone on and on and on. I sort of understand it; the gossip side of the media loves it and kept fuelling it during the year.”
“And whether people think he’s done the right thing or the wrong thing didn’t matter to me; he’s our player, and I wanted to look after him.”
When asked if backlash following Neale’s choices strained their relationship, Fagan said he didn’t let the scrutiny impact how he viewed Neale.
“I felt really sorry for him, something that he created himself, and he knows that, but still, we’re all just human beings, and there’s a lot to like about Lachie Neale.”
“I just decided to support him. I sort of see the boys I coach as my sons in lots of ways.
“If you’re in my family, I’ll look after you even when you’ve done the wrong thing … and try and make sure you learn from whatever situation you’ve been in and become a better person as a result of it.”
Neale stepped down from his position as club captain last off-season following his highly publicised split with Jules Neale in December 2025, which resulted in Jules moving back to her home city of Perth with the pair’s two children.
It’s understood Neale engaged in a four-month affair with Jules’ best friend Tess Crosley.
Despite the scandal, Fagan said Neale’s role in the team for the 2026 season is something “he should be proud of”.
“I think he can hold his head up high from the way that he played the year … he should be proud of what he’s achieved at our footy club, and how he carried himself during the year.
Fagan’s 10-year-long appointment as senior coach of the Brisbane Lions has seen him cement himself as a culture-driven leader, taking the team from the bottom of the ladder in 2016 to winning three consecutive premierships in 2024, 2025 and 2026.
Whilst still having one year remaining on his contract, Fagan has expressed uncertainty over his future, unsure if he has the energy required to continue in the high-pressure role.
“It’s something I’m thinking about over the next few days, to be honest. I’ve had 10 great years,” Fagan said on Fox Footy’s AFL 360.
“Football coaching is incredibly enjoyable, but it’s also relentless in its pressure and the responsibility you have. I’ve done nothing but think about football and the Brisbane Lions for the last 10 years. It sort of takes a lot of energy out of you.
“I’ve got to make sure if I do continue on, I do have the right amount of energy to give to the job. Because that’s what it requires.
“I’m extremely happy with what we’ve been able to achieve so far. But I do want to think about it, because I don’t want to be that coach that hangs around for too long, and in the end, I get the sack.”
Meanwhile, Lachie Neale has brushed away any lingering clouds over his personal life, confirming his departure from the Lions to join Collingwood as a free agent in 2027, and sharing snaps from this week’s Mad Monday and premiership celebrations.
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