Brisbane Lions superstar Lachie Neale has found love again following the breakdown of his marriage to wife Jules, with friends confirming the dual Brownlow medallist has been quietly seeing a new partner in recent months.
It is understood striking brunette Emma Field is the new woman in Neale’s life, with the pair believed to have been spending time together as the reigning premiers chase another AFL finals campaign.
The relationship comes less than a year after Neale and Jules separated following what she publicly described as an “unimaginable betrayal” involving her former best friend, Tess Crosley.
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Field was captured emerging onto the balcony of Neale’s home, with the Brisbane Lions star visible inside through the reflection in a nearby window.
Since the split became public, Neale has largely kept his personal life out of the spotlight, but friends say the 33-year-old has told those close to him he is seeing someone new, the Herald Sun reported.
Lachie Neale & Emma Field on his balcony. Credit: PBBG/Peter Barnes / BACKGRIDNeale can been seen behind the window reflection. Credit: PBBG/Peter Barnes / BACKGRID
Field also shared photos from the stands at the Gabba during Brisbane’s Round 20 clash and is also understood to have been in Perth the previous week when the Lions travelled west to face the West Coast Eagles.
The advertising professional has also attracted attention online after Neale liked several of her Instagram posts.
Sources have claimed Field has recently discussed the possibility of relocating to Melbourne, fuelling speculation as Neale’s AFL future remains uncertain.
The unrestricted free agent has been linked with a possible move to Collingwood at the end of the season after seven years with Brisbane, although no decision has been announced.
Meanwhile, Neale and Jules have continued to co-parent their two young children following her move back to Perth before Christmas.
Jules has previously shared updates about rebuilding her life in Western Australia after relocating with the children, recently revealing she had found a new home after months of searching.
The former couple also sold their Brisbane family home at auction earlier this year as they began the next chapter of their lives separately.
Neale publicly accepted responsibility for the breakdown of the marriage when he stepped down as Brisbane co-captain in January, saying he understood there were consequences for his actions.
Ahead of his 300th AFL game in April, he also spoke candidly about the challenges of living away from his children.
“I’m pretty lucky that Jules, their mother, allows me to come and go from Perth,” Neale said.
“I am very fortunate that Jules has been very flexible with that, and I am able to go back to Perth with the club’s blessing whenever I want.”
“If I have to miss a day of training or whatever they are happy for that to happen. I am managing that pretty well so far.”
Despite the off-field turmoil, Neale has enjoyed another outstanding season, playing a key role as Brisbane attempts to defend its premiership and mount another charge towards the AFL Grand Final.
