'Handled it with class': Lions veteran throws support behind Lachie Neale after 'difficult' period
Brisbane Lions veteran Dayne Zorko has thrown his support behind Lachie Neale as the embattled star looks to hit the ground running on Saturday night.
Neale's personal life has become the hottest topic in the AFL world over the past few months after his well-publicised split from wife Jules.
The off-field turmoil led to Neale stepping down from the captaincy, while rumours of a potential return home to Western Australia after this season have been rife.
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However, the two-time Brownlow Medal winner will get the opportunity to put things behind him when the Lions open their campaign against the Western Bulldogs.
Lachie Neale runs out before a practice match. Getty
Speaking to 4BC Radio, long-time teammate Zorko heaped praise on the way Neale had dealt with the off-field issues and media speculation about his personal life, while admitting it was time to "let his football do the talking" for Brisbane.
"It's been a difficult off-season for him, but he's handled with a lot of class," Zorko said.
"He will just let his football do the talking from here on in.
"What I've seen in the practice matches is a real hunger and desire to not only help the team, but continue to be the best footballer he can be.
"He will work through his stuff off-field and that's absolutely supported by our football club and we'll support all parties as best as we possibly can.
"It's great to see Lachie in a really good headspace and playing some of the footy he is, given what he's had to deal with through the media in the off-season."
The 32-year-old's departure from the key leadership role has seen Harris Andrews, Hugh McCluggage and Josh Dunkley step into the joint captaincy.
Neale has played 159 games for the Lions since joining the club from Fremantle in 2019 and captained the club's back-to-back premierships in 2024 and 2025.
