Super excited about the future Neale to stay at Brisbane Lions

Brownlow medallist Lachie Neale has told the Brisbane Lions he intends to remain at the club in 2022 at his exit meeting on Thursday morning.

The star midfielder said that he and his wife Jules, who is from Western Australia, had discussed the prospect of returning home as she is due to give birth to a daughter in four months.

Lachie Neale is staying at the Brisbane Lions.Credit:Getty Images

However, after discussions with his family, management and the Lions, he is committed to remaining at the club where he has two years remaining on his contract, confident they have enough support to manage the situation.

“I am committed and staying at the footy club. It’s been a whirlwind couple of days and everything got a little bit out of hand but I am fully committed to the club,” Neale said in a video posted to the Lions’ website.

“I am so excited to be pushing on.”

Neale said after discussions in recent days it became clear to him and his partner that this is the best place for them to be in the next couple of seasons.

“Firstly for my footy and secondly we believe we can get the support network around us that we need moving forward,” Neale said.

“We know it is challenging times for everyone with COVID, and we are no different, we’re human and probably got played out a little bit earlier and sooner than we thought.”

Neale said he can’t wait to get stuck into planning for next season.

“I’m super excited about what the future holds for both of us, and we have got a beautiful baby girl on the way in four weeks, so we have got a lot to look forward to,” Neale said.

“I have got unfinished business here. I want to be holding up a cup in the Lions’ jersey and that is what I will be working towards over the next couple of years.”

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Peter Ryan is a sports reporter with The Age covering AFL, horse racing and other sports.Connect via Twitter or email.

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