Brisbane Lions coach Chris Fagan says how the club responded to the attention on Lachie Neale’s public marriage breakdown was a “test of the culture” at the Lions, but insists there “hasn’t been a ripple” since pre-season training recommenced.
Seeking a third straight premiership, Neale earlier this month returned to pre-season training with Brisbane teammates after fronting the media to confirm a separation from wife Jules and his decision to step down as Brisbane co-captain.
Jules moved back to Perth with the couple’s two children to be closer to her family and friends.
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In an exclusive interview with Herald Sun chief football reporter — and Fox Footy First Crack host — Jay Clark, Fagan backed the club’s culture to deal with the spotlight of Neale’s personal issues.
“That is accountability and I think that is what has happened in this instance. Lachie spoke publicly and that is not easy,” Fagan told CODE Sports.
“The players saw that. The players’ partners saw that and to be honest, since we have been back at training there hasn’t been a ripple in the place.
“Training has been a high standard. There has been a high level of enjoyment and energy around the place and everybody is just getting on with it.
“For me I don’t think it is a question mark on our culture. I just think it is a test of the culture in how you respond.”
Fagan said the Lions had been “massive on the players being good people first and foremost” as that is “what leads to success”, but added the club wants to support Neale, Jules and the family.
“We are really lucky in that we have fantastic people here and you can see it in the way they play together and interact and engage in the community together,” he said.
“All I know is that from where we were eight or nine years ago to where we are now it is just a joy to come to work every day.”
In a separate interview, Fagan told AFL Media the Lions’ captaincy and leadership structure would be confirmed in “mid to late February”.
Neale leaves Lions leadership group | 06:47
Neale, a dual premiership player, six-time club best and fairest and four-time All-Australian, is off-contract at season’s end and eligible to move clubs as a free agent, sparking speculation he could return to later this year.
Fagan earlier this month said his club was “not going to hold anyone to ransom”, insisting if Neale wanted to exercise his free agency rights for family reasons, the dual Brownlow Medallist would leave the Lions “with our blessing”.
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