A-list footy couple celebrating huge baby news
One of the most adorable families in football is celebrating special news this Christmas with photos leaving fans overjoyed.
AFL
Don't miss out on the headlines from AFL. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Lachie Neale and wife Julie are celebrating the birth of their first son.
The popular footy couple shared the news with fans via photos shared on Instagram.
It is the couple’s second child after they welcomed the arrival of daughter Piper in 2021.
Watch every ball of Australia v India LIVE & ad-break free during play in 4K on Kayo | New to Kayo? Get your first month for just $1. Limited time offer.
The couple have been seen holding new child, son Freddie Oliver Neale, while Julie recovers in a hospital bed, at the Mater Mothers’ Private Hospital, The Herald Sun reports.
“Freddie Oliver Neale you complete our little family,’’ Jules posted.
The Brownlow medal red carpet spotlight stealer shared a photo of Piper cradling her new sibling.
The Brisbane Lions champ also posted: “Welcome to the world Freddie”.
It has been a fairy tale six months for the midfielder who helped the Lions win the 2024 AFL premiership.
Neale, a two-time Brownlow medal winner, fought through plenty of hurdles on and off the field this year to be one of the critical pieces in the Lions’ premiership campaign, which ended with the thrashing of the Swans in the Grand Final.
Earlier this year, the 31-year-old was embroiled in a storm-in-a-tea-cup kissing controversy with Channel 7 presenter Abbey Holmes. The pair — and Julie — put the drama to bed in a matter of days.
The pair had bigger things on their mind at the time with Julie announcing the couple was expecting in July. A photo showed Piper holding an ultrasound photo.
“And then there were four,” the couple captioned the upload.
“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 journey, sending you all the love and luck in the world.”
The fortunate couple had earlier suggested they had faced struggles before Julie fell pregnant the first time with Piper.
Julie posted an emotional message to her own Instagram in 2021, writing: “We have dreamt about meeting you for a long time now little one. The road to you was long and trying but I wouldn’t change it for the world.
“It has changed me, The journey to you has made me realise I am stronger than I ever thought I could be and I can do anything with your dad’s support.
“You were definitely worth the wait and I am so ready to hold you in my arms and be your mumma baby girl.”
Julie also shared a video to her Instagram Story of a baby dress with the caption: “My heart cannot deal with this level of cuteness.”
Lachie and Julie tied the knot in November 2018 before the couple moved to Brisbane ahead of the 2019 AFL season.
Originally published as A-list footy couple celebrating huge baby news