Brisbane Lions midfielder Lachie Neale and wife Julie welcome first child together

Three years after tying the knot, Brisbane Lions superstar Lachie Neale and his wife have welcomed their first child into the world.

Brisbane Lions midfielder Lachie Neale is a father.

Neale and wife Julie welcomed their first daughter, named Piper Rose Neale, to the world this week, sharing the news to Instagram on Thursday afternoon.

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“And just like that all the years of dreaming, wishing, longing don’t seem to matter because here you are in my arms after all,” Julie wrote on social media.

“I won’t take a second of you for granted my little P. Mama loves you beyond words.”

The birth took place at Brisbane’s Mater Mothers’ Hospital on Wednesday.

The couple revealed the pregnancy back in April, uploading an image to Instagram of Neale kissing his wife’s stomach.

“Can’t wait to meet you baby girl,” he captioned the picture.

Lachie and Julie tied the knot in November 2018 before the couple moved to Brisbane ahead of the 2019 AFL premiership.

Neale won the Brownlow Medal last year — awarded to the AFL’s best and fairest player — and paid tribute to his wife during the acceptance speech.

“She had to sell (her hairdressing business) to come over here and follow my dreams,” Neale said.

“She was doing very well for herself over there, but she always puts me ahead of herself when she shouldn’t have to.

“She’s the most selfless person I know and my biggest support so thank you very much Jules. I love you.”

Brisbane Lions midfielder Lachie Neale is a father.

Earlier this month, Neale made headlines when reports emerged that he had requested a trade back to Fremantle ,where he started his AFL career.

But to the relief of Brisbane fans, the 28-year-old later announced he would represent the Lions once again in 2022.

“I am committed and staying at the footy club,” Neale told Brisbane Lions Media.

“I think one of the biggest things as well is I have unfinished business here, I want to be holding up a cup in the Lions guernsey. I am super excited to be here and I can’t wait to play again next year.”

Neale was plagued with injuries this season but showed glimpses of his best football, including a 46-disposal game against Melbourne in the qualifying final last month.

The midfielder has two years remaining on his five-year contract with the Lions.

Originally published as Brisbane Lions midfielder Lachie Neale and wife Julie welcome first child together