Lachie, 31, a dual Brownlow Medal recipient who became a father for the second time just before Christmas with the arrival of Freddie, has praised his wife, Jules, for being a wonderful mum and his biggest support while prepping for the new season.

“Jules does an amazing job,” he says. “I’m just so thankful to have her by my side. She allows me to fulfil both my role on the field and at home – working on my football craft and all the added extras that come with a leadership role.

“She’s the reason I am able to do what I do while she holds down the fort at home.”

The pair, who married in 2018 and live in Brisbane’s inner-south, have previously opened up about their past struggles with trying to conceive Piper, 3, and welcomed son Freddie Oliver Neale on December 16 after undergoing IVF treatment. In their first interview since becoming a family of four, Jules, 35, a freelance hairdresser at Soja Studios in Woolloongabba, says IVF was the “obvious option” after trying for almost three years to conceive their daughter Piper.

“We were about to start IVF when I fell pregnant with her, but this time around, I just wanted to jump straight into it,” she says.

“I was told there was a possibility I could fall pregnant naturally, but it might take some time, and I wasn’t ready to wait. We wanted to get things going before the footy season and Lachie was back on the field again.

“Things happened so fast (this time around). It progressed so quickly, which was really exciting. We started the journey in February (2024), and by April I was pregnant. The first time around took so long, it really drained me, so it felt great this time around to feel like things were actually in motion.

“The hardest part of it all was just staying on top of it while trying to maintain a normal life: chasing after a toddler, working, and travelling for Lachie’s footy. Life still rolled on. We just needed to make sure the medication was packed with us wherever we were. It was a juggle at times.”

Thinking back on the experience, Jules says she found it easier to cope with the IVF process by talking openly about what the couple was going through.

“It made me feel more comfortable, telling those around us what I was doing,” she says.

“Being open with my team at work, the club, and friends made things less stressful. I could keep them updated: they would check in. I felt so supported.”

The couple announced the exciting news that they were expecting in a post on Instagram on June 24, 2024 with the caption: “And then there were four. We cannot wait to meet you little one! Feeling so incredibly blessed to be able to grow this little family, it didn’t come easily but then nothing worth having ever does. Anyone out there on their own TTC (trying to conceive) journey, sending you all the love and luck in the world. Swipe to see us get the biggest shock of our lives.”

The carousel post shows Piper holding an ultrasound picture, followed by a candid video of the family cutting into a cake dyed blue.

Both Lachie and Jules confess they thought their second child would be another girl.

“A girl is what I know,” says Jules. “So I was a bit shocked. I’d had it in my head for some reason we’d be a family with two girls.”

Lachie adds, “We were definitely expecting another girl, I guess ’cause it’s familiar. I love being a girl dad, and loved the thought of having two girls.

“But having a mini-me is pretty cool. I just hope he gets Jules’ good looks.”

Following the Lions winning last year’s AFL premiership, participation rates in Aussie rules are at an all-time high across the state but as for whether Freddie will follow in his father’s footsteps, Lachie says he’s hoping for a different future.

“I know there’ll be pressure on him to play (footy) but it won’t be coming from me.

“Truth be told, I hope he has a golf club in his hand before a football,” jokes Lachie.

“Of course, whatever he wants to do with me is fine.

“My dad and I bonded over football, and it was awesome to be on that journey with him. But when it comes to Freddie, I’m not fussed. I do love golf, and I hope he will too. When I finish footy, I plan to play a lot more of it.”

A couple of months into being a family of four, the pair have described the experience as “fun but chaotic”.

“There’s been big changes in the house, especially for P (Piper), becoming a big sister. She’s taken on the role really well,” Jules says.

Jules says although the experience feels easier this time around, she knows their family is complete.

“It’s funny, I know I only want two, but I see why couples go for more. Once you’ve done it the first time, it’s not as overwhelming. You’re not doing ‘firsts’ all over again. It’s easier, you trust yourself a lot more. I’m much more relaxed. I think Freddie is more relaxed because of that.”

And, when he’s not leading his team on to the field to defend their premiership title,

Lachie says there’s nothing better than being with his biggest support crew: his family.

“Spending time with the kids is what I do to unwind. Piper loves swimming, so I do a fair bit of that with her at home, or we’ll go down to South Bank and make a day of it,” he says.

“When I can, I like to give Jules a sleep-in, so Piper and I will often head to the park or cafe for a babycino. We’re still just figuring out life as a family of four, but so far so good.”

Lachie, leading the Lions alongside co-captain Harris Andrews, and their team had a delayed start to the season, with the opening match set for March 6 against the Geelong Cats at the Gabba postponed due to Cyclone Alfred.

“It’s going to be great to defend our premiership title,” he says. “I’m feeling really good about it. I’m excited for the fans and the club.”

Despite an injury to his foot where he felt “something snap” during last year’s grand final triumph over the Sydney Swans, the Lions co-captain says the team is ready to give it their all.

“I didn’t start training until about four weeks ago with the group, but I’m glad to be back, and my foot is improving all the time,” Lachie says.

“It gets sore from training, but I know it’s improving, and being back training with my team sure beats running laps.

“I was worried about (my foot) a month ago, but now that I’m back in training, I’m feeling confident.

“We’ve got an established group who’ve been together for seven years, and we’re all feeling good going into the opening game. We know each other’s strengths and weaknesses and know how to help each other on the field.

“I think the biggest thing for me is the mental game, especially given the season finished not that long ago. There’s obviously pressure to perform.

“I don’t mean to sound arrogant, but I’m quietly confident we’ve got one of the best teams in the comp.”

The Brisbane Lions played their first game of the season on March 15 in Sydney against the Swans. FOX/Kayo had live coverage, with fans able to stream it later on free to air via 7Mate and 7plus