Jules Neale has opened up about rebuilding her life in Perth, eight months after her marriage to Brisbane Lions star Lachie Neale ended amid allegations of an affair.
The 36-year-old hairdresser and content creator has bought a heritage home in Western Australia, where she is preparing to begin a new chapter with the former couple’s children, Piper and Freddie.
Neale admitted that starting again had been daunting after leaving Brisbane, but said she was now looking ahead following an extremely difficult period.
‘I’m embracing it,’ she told News Corp.
‘Starting over can be scary, but it can also be incredibly freeing. I’m trying to look forward instead of backwards and see this as an opportunity to build a life that feels really aligned with who I am now.
‘It’s definitely been a journey. There have been some really hard days, but there have also been so many moments where I’ve realised just how resilient I am.’
Jules Neale has opened up about rebuilding her life in Perth eight months after splitting from Lachie Neale
Jules has bought a heritage home in Perth where she will live with children Piper and Freddie
Renovations are under way at the property before Jules and her children move in near the end of 2026
Copilot said:
‘I’m in a much more peaceful place now than I was eight months ago, and while life looks very different, it’s also opened the door to a new chapter that I’m genuinely excited about.’
Neale and her children have been living with her parents since returning to Perth after spending more than seven years in Queensland during Lachie Neale’s career with the Lions.
She announced the purchase of her new home in July, telling her 160,000 Instagram followers: ‘Hello new home, I can’t wait to see what memories we create here.’
Images of the property showed high ceilings, timber floorboards, stained-glass windows and a crystal chandelier. The front door was wrapped in a large white bow for the announcement.
Renovations are now under way, with Neale and Piper helping to paint the exterior ahead of the family’s move later this year.
‘It’s such a special milestone for us,’ Neale said.
‘It’ll be our first home that’s completely ours, and I’m so excited to create a space where the kids can make beautiful memories and truly feel at home.
‘When you’re renovating a home, every decision feels significant because you’re creating the backdrop for your family’s memories.’
Jules and Lachie’s marriage ended in December amid allegations the Brisbane Lions star had been involved in an affair
The mother-of-two said starting over had been frightening but had also left her feeling peaceful and incredibly free
Jules said her children had given her purpose and remained her biggest motivation throughout the difficult marriage breakdown
Neale said her children had given her direction throughout the upheaval.
‘They’ve given me purpose on the hardest days and reminded me what’s important,’ she said.
‘Having an incredible support system has made all the difference.
‘My parents, my friends and community have carried me through in ways I’ll never be able to repay. Focusing on work that I love, creating content, and building a stable, happy life for my kids has also given me something really positive to pour my energy into.’
Neale has returned to hairdressing, expanded her online content work and plans to launch a range of hair products under her brand, Vela.
‘I’m also hoping to launch Vela in the next few months after working really hard behind the scenes on some exciting new hair products that I can’t wait to share,’ she said.
The new beginning follows the collapse of her marriage late last year amid allegations that Lachie had an affair with her former friend Tess Crosley, who was married to one of his friends.
Jules addressed the speculation in a blunt public statement in December.
Lachie is out of contract after the 2026 season and has attracted strong interest from several rival AFL clubs
Lachie has found new love with Emma Field as he prepares for the next chapter of his footy career
‘I want to make it very clear that I am not “working through” anything,’ she said.
‘I have been betrayed in the most unimaginable way, and all I can do now is to heal and do what’s best for my children.’
Lachie stepped down as Lions co-captain in January and apologised for hurting his family without confirming the allegations.
‘While I won’t go into specifics I can say that I have let my family down, and I apologise for my actions which have hurt those closest to me,’ he said.
‘For that, I am deeply sorry.’
The former couple later sold their luxury two-storey home in Brisbane’s Seven Hills for $3.2 million at auction in February.
Lachie has continued living in Brisbane but regularly travels to Perth to see the children, with both Jules and the Lions accommodating the arrangement.
‘[It’s] obviously tough not having the kids here, but I’m pretty lucky that Jules, their mother, allows me to come and go from Perth,’ he said in April.
‘I get Piper over here a fair bit … 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.’
The two-time Brownlow medallist is out of contract at the end of the season and has attracted interest from rival clubs.
Collingwood has reportedly tabled a three-year offer worth about $3 million, while St Kilda and clubs in Western Australia have also been linked to the 33-year-old.
His family circumstances are expected to play a major role in the decision as Jules and their children establish their new life in Perth.
Jules said messages from friends, followers and strangers had helped her through the separation.
‘The messages, encouragement and genuine care have meant more than I can put into words,’ she said.
‘It reminds me every day that there is so much goodness in people, and I’ll always be grateful for that support.’
