Lachie Neale and new partner Emma Field take major step in relationship

Lachie Neale’s dramatic 2026 season has capped off with a major relationship milestone, as new flame Emma Field made her loyalty loud and clear at Saturday’s AFL grand final.

After a chaotic year that saw the Lachie, 33, dominate headlines on and off the field, his new partner Emma, 29, took a massive step in their relationship by repping his name and number across her back at the MCG.

In photos shared from the stands, Emma was spotted showing ultimate support while wearing a customised jacket emblazoned with ‘NEALE 9’ across the back.

She celebrated from the crowd alongside friends, taking selfies in the stands as Lachie took to the field.

The public show of support continued after the final siren, with Lachie and Emma posing alongside each other in the post-match celebrations.

Dressed in his Brisbane jersey and with his premiership medal around his neck, Lachie embraced Emma in the locker room. It’s a signal that the couple is officially taking the next step together following a tumultuous few months.

Read more

Tess Crosley spotted in the comments of post mocking infamous Lachie Neale scandal

Emma is a 29-year-old advertising professional from Queensland. She didn’t hae a public profile of her own until she began dating Lachie.

Her social-media presence before being linked to the AFL star saw her share photos from travel, restaurants, social occasions and life with friends.

Lachie and Emma’s grand final appearance comes just a week after they went Instagram official, following a high-profile split from his ex-wife Jules Neale.

The highly public fallout saw Jules move back to Perth with their children following infidelity allegations earlier this year.

The Brisbane Lions player and his wife Jules split in 2025 after she claimed he had betrayed her “in the most unimaginable way”.

Rumours of infidelity between Lachie and Tess Crosley, who has been married to Lachie’s friend Ben Crosley for 10 years, began circling soon after.

A drawn-out scandal ensued and reached fever pitch when Jules and Crosley both sat down for tell-all podcast appearances which were released within a day of one another.

The tension was palpable heading into Saturday’s decider. Just hours before kick-off, Jules posted a subtle jab on social media wearing a purple scarf.

It was a clear nod to her allegiance to the Fremantle Dockers and a firm statement she was betting against her ex.

The drama didn’t stop off the field. Lachie’s path to the grand final was plagued by controversy right until game day.

After being hit with a one-game suspension by the AFL Tribunal for an off-the-ball gut punch on Jack Ginnivan, the Lions successfully overturned the ban at the Appeals Board.

The verdict sparked outrage among rival supporters. Lachie was met with a chorus of loud boos during Friday’s grand final parade and again when starting the Saturday match from the bench at the MCG.

With Lachie now confirming he has officially played his last game for the Brisbane Lions, a tumultuous chapter closes – and a fresh one begins as he steps into the off-season hand-in-hand with his new partner Emma.