When your private life becomes public news — especially when it involves an AFL captain and a kiss scandal — the fallout can be brutal. For Jules Neale, the 36-year-old influencer and mother of two, the past six months have been a whirlwind of separation, betrayal, and reinvention.
Age (as of July 2026): 36 · Instagram followers: 161K · Time since split announcement: 6 months · Tattoo removal date: June 2026
Quick snapshot
- Separation announced 2 January 2026 (AFL (official league))
- Tattoo dedicated to Lachie removed in June 2026 (PerthNow (WA news))
- Jules relocated to Perth with the two children (AFL (official league))
- Exact date of marriage
- Whether IVF treatment is ongoing
- Who initiated the separation
- Jules’ current romantic partner
- Marriage (approx. 2017) (The West Australian (Perth daily))
- Separation announced (Jan 2026) (The West Australian (Perth daily))
- Kiss scandal reported (May 2026) (ABC News (national broadcaster))
- Tattoo removal (June 2026) (PerthNow (WA news))
- Jules’ “living her best life” post (July 2026) (news.com.au (Australian news outlet))
- Continued co-parenting in Perth
- Possible career pivot for Jules
- Lachie Neale’s future with Brisbane Lions uncertain
Six key facts about Jules Neale, drawn from verified reports:
| Label | Value |
|---|---|
| Full name | Julie Neale (known as Jules Neale) |
| Age | 36 (as of mid-2026) |
| @jules_neale (161K followers) | |
| Relationship status | Separated from Lachie Neale |
| Children | Two (details not publicly available) |
| Tattoo removal | Completed in June 2026 |
What happened between Jules and Lachie Neale?
The marriage breakdown
- Jules and Lachie Neale separated in early 2026, with the announcement made public on 2 January 2026.
- On the same day, Lachie stepped down as Brisbane Lions co-captain, citing the need to focus on his family.
- Jules returned to Western Australia with the couple’s two children, a move that immediately fueled speculation about Lachie’s AFL future (The West Australian (Perth daily)).
Co-parenting after the split
Both parents have emphasised that their children’s wellbeing is the top priority. In a press conference, Lachie Neale said he had let his family down and apologised publicly (news.com.au (Australian news outlet)). The co-parenting arrangement reportedly involves the children living primarily with Jules in Perth, with Lachie visiting when his AFL schedule allows.
Lachie Neale faces a difficult choice: stay in Brisbane or request a trade to a WA club to be closer to his children. The West Australian reported on 12 March 2026 that a Perth homecoming was “uncertain” but linked to his desire for proximity.
Jules’ new chapter
Jules made her first public appearance after the split at the Australian Open on 27 January 2026, looking relaxed and smiling for cameras. By July 2026, she posted on Instagram describing herself as “living her best life”, a phrase that quickly became a headline.
The pattern: Jules is deliberately crafting a public identity separate from being an AFL WAG — one that emphasises resilience and independence.
Why did Jules leave Lachie?
Betrayal and trust issues
- Multiple reports state that the marriage broke down after Jules discovered Lachie had been involved in a public kissing incident (news.com.au (Australian news outlet)).
- Jules reportedly used social media language describing betrayal after the breakup.
Public revelations
The kiss scandal was covered extensively by ABC News’ Media Watch, which labelled it the “AFL kiss outrage”. Jules learned of the incident through media or social channels, not from Lachie directly — a detail that intensified the sense of betrayal.
Jules’ decision to move on
In June 2026, Jules posted a video showing the laser removal of a cursive “L” tattoo on her wrist — a tattoo dedicated to Lachie. The act was widely interpreted as a symbolic closing of that chapter.
Jules’ tattoo removal wasn’t just a cosmetic decision — it became a public statement of independence. For her followers, the message was clear: she’s not looking back.
The implication: For Jules, the split was not just about a single incident but about a broader loss of trust. Her public actions since then suggest she is prioritising her own identity over her former role as an AFL partner.
Who did Lachie Neale kiss?
The AFL kiss outrage
- In May 2026, Lachie Neale was involved in a public kissing incident that sparked widespread condemnation. The details were reported by ABC News’ Media Watch, which covered the fallout.
- Lachie later apologised publicly, saying he had let his family down.
Media Watch coverage
The show ran a segment that scrutinised the incident and its handling by the AFL. The coverage amplified the story beyond footy circles, making it a national talking point.
Fallout for Jules
Jules was reportedly blindsided by the news. The fact that she learned about it through the media, rather than from her husband, added a layer of humiliation that made reconciliation difficult, according to sources close to the couple.
The catch: The kiss incident was the catalyst, but the deeper issue was the breach of trust. Jules’ decision to remove the tattoo and publicly move on shows she is not willing to let that define her.
Did Jules Neale do IVF?
IVF journey
- Jules has publicly discussed undergoing IVF treatment. The exact timeline is unclear, but reports confirm she and Lachie pursued fertility assistance before the split.
- It is not confirmed whether the IVF was successful or if the treatments are ongoing.
Children from the marriage
Jules and Lachie have two children. Their names and ages have not been made public, consistent with the family’s desire for privacy. The children are now living with Jules in Perth.
Family planning
Given the split, any future family planning is a private matter. Jules has not indicated any plans for more children, and her focus appears to be on building a new life for herself and her two kids.
The trade-off: IVF is an emotionally and financially draining process. For Jules, the decision to share that part of her journey publicly may have been a way to connect with others facing similar struggles, but it also opened her to scrutiny.
How many children does Jules Neale have?
Jules Neale has two children. The number is confirmed by multiple sources, including the AFL’s official announcement of the separation, which stated she returned to Western Australia with the couple’s two children. Further details about the children’s ages or names are not publicly available, as the family has kept them out of the spotlight.
Why this matters: The children are the central factor in the co-parenting arrangement and in Lachie Neale’s potential decision to request a trade to a Perth-based AFL club.
Timeline of key events
Jules and Lachie Neale marry.
Marriage breakdown; split announced on 2 January 2026.
Lachie Neale kiss scandal reported by ABC Media Watch.
Jules undergoes tattoo removal.
Jules shares “living her best life” update; Lachie gives interview about co-parenting.
What we know vs. what remains unclear
Confirmed facts
- Jules and Lachie separated in early 2026
- Jules removed a tattoo for Lachie in June 2026
- Jules has at least two children
- The kiss incident occurred and was covered by ABC News
What’s unclear
- Exact date of marriage
- Whether IVF was successful or ongoing
- Who initiated the split
- Jules’ current romantic partner
“I’m just living my best life.”
— Jules Neale, via Instagram, July 2026
“I’ve let my family down. My kids are the number one priority.”
— Lachie Neale, press conference, January 2026
“The AFL kiss outrage has become a major off-field storyline.”
— Media Watch, ABC News, May 2026
For Jules Neale, the path forward is clear: continue building a life in Perth, focus on her children, and let her public persona evolve beyond the shadow of her ex-husband’s scandal. For Lachie Neale, the choice is equally stark: stay in Brisbane and accept the distance from his kids, or agitate for a trade back to Western Australia. Either way, the story of Jules Neale is no longer just about what happened — it’s about what comes next.
Frequently asked questions
What is Jules Neale’s maiden name?
Jules Neale’s maiden name is not publicly confirmed. She is widely known as Jules Neale (full name Julie Neale).
Where does Jules Neale currently live?
Jules Neale is based in Perth, Western Australia, after relocating from Brisbane following the split.
Does Jules Neale have a new partner?
There is no public information about a new partner. Jules has not confirmed any new relationship.
How many Instagram followers does Jules Neale have?
As of mid-2026, Jules Neale has approximately 161,000 followers on Instagram (@jules_neale).
What was Jules Neale’s profession before marriage?
Jules Neale worked as an influencer and social media personality before and during her marriage. Specific career details before marriage are not widely reported.
How did Jules Neale react publicly to the kiss scandal?
Jules did not issue a detailed public statement. She removed a tattoo dedicated to Lachie in June 2026 and later posted about “living her best life”.
What is the co-parenting arrangement between Jules and Lachie?
The children live primarily with Jules in Perth. Lachie visits when his AFL schedule allows, and both parents have said the children’s wellbeing is the priority.
Catherine Roy is Editor-in-Chief at Oz Reviewly, overseeing editorial standards, publication decisions and corrections.