The AFL's State of Origin match in Perth is approaching, but a quiet shift is reportedly affecting how players prepare and how their partners are involved. This phenomenon, dubbed the "Neale tax," is linked to recent personal events concerning Brisbane Lions player Lachie Neale and has drawn attention as players' partners travel to Western Australia in significant numbers.
"Clubs have quietly introduced what insiders are calling the 'Neale tax' ahead of Saturday night's blockbuster State of Origin clash in Perth."
The unfolding situation centers on Lachie Neale, a prominent player for the Brisbane Lions. In early January, Neale publicly confirmed his separation from his wife, Jules. This personal event has since been the subject of media attention, with reports suggesting it has had wider implications within the AFL community. As the State of Origin game, the first official match of its kind in 27 years, prepares to take place in Perth, an unusually large number of players' partners are reportedly making the journey to Western Australia. This increased presence of partners has led to speculation and the coining of the term "Neale tax" by some observers within the league.
Evidence of Shifting Dynamics
Reports indicate a notable increase in the number of partners accompanying AFL players to Perth for the State of Origin event.
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Official Confirmation of Separation: Lachie Neale himself confirmed his separation from his wife, Jules, in early January.
Partner Travel: Media outlets have highlighted that a "host of players are travelling to Perth for Saturday's clash," with "many of the players' WAGs… making the trip west for Origin."
Specific Partners Mentioned: Several partners have been named as expected attendees, including Lexi Lobb, Casey Battle (wife of Josh Battle), Mardi Dangerfield, Georgia Stirton, Jess Gawn, Paris Stubberfield, and Arlette Amor.
"Neale Tax" Coinage: Insiders and media personalities have referred to this increased presence and associated costs or implications as the "Neale tax."
Origin Match Context: The State of Origin match is scheduled to be held at Optus Stadium in Perth and has reportedly sold out.
Examining the "Neale Tax" Concept
The term "Neale tax" appears to be an informal descriptor used by those within the AFL ecosystem to capture a perceived change in player dynamics, particularly concerning partner involvement and potential hidden costs or considerations.
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Partner Presence and Support
The significant travel of partners to Perth for the State of Origin has been directly linked by some to the personal circumstances of Lachie Neale.
The attendance of partners is framed as a visible aspect of this new dynamic.
This increased presence has been noted particularly in the context of a major representative match, where partner support is often a factor.
Speculation vs. Direct Causation
While the term "Neale tax" has been introduced, its precise meaning and the extent of its impact remain subjects of discussion.
Is it a financial burden? The reports do not detail specific financial increases for players or clubs. The "tax" may refer to unspoken pressures or altered team dynamics.
Is it about relationship status? The timing of the Origin game, following Neale's public separation, has led to observations that other players' partners are traveling in greater numbers.
Are other players' situations relevant? It is unclear if the term "Neale tax" is a direct response to Neale's separation, or if it broadly reflects a trend in player personal lives and partner involvement during major events.
Lachie Neale's Personal Life and Career
Lachie Neale's marriage breakdown has been a publicly acknowledged event, impacting his role within the Brisbane Lions.
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Leadership Role: Neale has stepped down as co-captain of the Brisbane Lions for the 2026 season, citing that he "let my family down."
Potential Move to Perth: There are reports that Neale has the "blessing" of the Brisbane Lions if he chooses to move back to Perth after the 2026 season, to be closer to his children, following his wife Jules' move back to Western Australia.
Focus on Personal Matters: Neale has, at times, declined to elaborate on the specifics of his marriage ending during press conferences, indicating a desire to keep certain aspects private.
Performance Amidst Challenges: Despite personal turmoil, Neale has continued to play, with reports mentioning his performance in games.
Jules Neale's Public Narrative
Jules Neale has also been a visible figure in the aftermath of the marriage breakdown, sharing updates on her life.
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Moving On: Social media posts from Jules Neale have shown her enjoying life and spending time with her children.
Public Support: Reports suggest she has received "inundated with support" following her posts.
Emotional Sharing: One account notes a "vulnerable post" by Jules Neale that included an "emotional clip of her in tears," though comments on this specific post were turned off.
No Confirmation of Misconduct: Regarding interactions between Jules Neale and other players' partners, one report states there has been "no confirmation anything untoward happened."
Expert and Insider Commentary
Commentary from figures within the AFL sphere provides context to the unfolding situation.
Kane Cornes' Remark: During a radio segment, Kane Cornes made a remark that juxtaposed "Jules Neale or Tess Crosley," to which co-host David King responded, "I'm not playing that game," suggesting a sensitivity around the topic. This exchange implies that Neale's personal life is a topic of discussion, even if not openly addressed by all.
Coach's Support: Brisbane Lions coach Chris Fagan has publicly supported Neale's potential desire to move back to Perth for family reasons, stating, "if he chooses to move back to Perth… then he'll do that with our blessing." This indicates the club's awareness and consideration of Neale's personal circumstances.
Findings and Implications
The current situation highlights how personal events involving high-profile athletes can generate broader discussion and perceived shifts within a sporting league.
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The term "Neale tax" suggests an observable impact, possibly related to increased partner attendance or unspoken considerations surrounding players' personal lives.
Lachie Neale's separation has led to his stepping down as co-captain and a potential future relocation to Perth.
The visibility of both Lachie and Jules Neale in public discourse surrounding their separation indicates the significant attention their personal lives have garnered.
The upcoming State of Origin match in Perth serves as a backdrop for these discussions, with an notable increase in players' partners attending the event.
It remains unclear if the "Neale tax" is a temporary observation linked to this specific event or indicative of a more sustained change in AFL player and partner engagement with league events.
Sources:
Daily Mail: https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sport/afl/article-15555653/The-stunning-Lachie-Neale-TAX-players-paying-ahead-return-AFLs-State-Origin-Perth.html
Context: Reports on the "Neale tax" and increased partner travel for the State of Origin.
Info Nasional: https://uk.infonasional.com/afl-clubs-neale-tax-marriage
Context: Discusses the "Neale tax" concept in relation to marriage breakdown and lists expected partners at the Origin game.
news.com.au: https://www.news.com.au/sport/afl/jules-neales-telling-post-proof-shes-won-the-breakup/news-story/217928e5f0688acbe3122b77d4511840
Context: Focuses on Jules Neale's social media activity and her perceived progress following the marriage breakdown.
ABC News: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-01-08/brisbane-lions-lachie-neale-chris-fagan/106210014
Context: Reports on Brisbane Lions coach Chris Fagan giving Lachie Neale his blessing for a potential move back to Perth.
9Honey: https://honey.nine.com.au/latest/jules-neale-lachie-neale-split-lemonade-moving-forward/a5a714bb-c040-47ef-99c4-100c95c38ee9
Context: Details Jules Neale's life updates after the split from Lachie Neale, including her emotional sharing and activities.
AFR: https://www.afr.com/companies/sport/i-let-my-family-down-premiership-legend-s-lions-future-clouded-20260102-p5nrag
Context: Covers Lachie Neale stepping down as co-captain due to his marriage breakdown and uncertainty about his future with the club.
ESPN: https://www.espn.com/afl/story//id/47475950/afl-brisbane-lions-premiership-hero-lachie-neale-steps-co-captain
Context: Details Lachie Neale's decision to step down as co-captain and the potential impact on his future with the Lions, influenced by his personal life.
AFL.com.au: https://www.afl.com.au/news/1422461/star-midfielder-lachie-neale-still-pushing-for-remarkable-return-if-brisbane-lions-make-gf
Context: Discusses Lachie Neale's injury recovery and potential return for the Brisbane Lions, predating the recent focus on his personal life but showing his continued engagement with playing.
