Brisbane Lions star Lachie Neale welcomes baby boy before Christmas

Brisbane Lions co-captain Lachie Neale has a new addition to the family, just in time for Christmas.

The AFL superstar, 31, and his wife Jules shared the happy news on Instagram on Tuesday morning.

Jules posted a heartwarming photo of their three-year-old daughter Piper Rose, cradling her new baby brother at the Mater Mothers Hospital.

“Freddie Oliver Neale, you complete our little family,” the caption read.

The beaming father-of-two grinned from ear to ear for his first photo with his son.

“Welcome to the world Freddie,” he captioned the candid moment, with a red love heart.

Jules posted a heartwarming photo of their three-year-old daughter Piper Rose cradling her new baby brother at the Mater Mothers Hospital

Lachie’s happy news comes after The Brisbane Lions made a stunning recovery from last year’s grand final in September, topping Sydney by 60 points to claim their first AFL premiership in more than two decades.

In an incredible year, the double Brownlow Medalist also earned his fourth All-Australian selection and won his fourth Merrett-Murray Medal this season.

The happy couple announced Jules’ pregnancy in June, with a very sweet gender reveal that saw little Piper holding up the ultrasound photo.

“And then there were four,” they said.

‘We can’t wait to meet you little one!

“I feel so incredibly blessed to be able to grow this little family. It wasn’t easy, but there has never been anyone on their own TTC journey worth sending you all the love and happiness in the world.”

Lachie met Jules when he was 18 years old, but they didn’t start dating until about six years later.

The couple then married in a romantic ceremony in Perth in November 2018, before moving to Brisbane when Lachie made his move to the Lions.

The Brownlow Medal 2024 played host to future families as AFL WAGs, including Jules Neale (with Lachie), debuted their baby bumps on the red carpet

Jules works as a hairstylist at Soja Studios in Brisbane after selling her Perth business to move across the country to support Lachie’s AFL career.

The red carpet showstopper has been by her husband’s side at every Brownlow Medal count since 2017 – except for 2021, when she gave birth to their daughter Piper.

Since first walking the carpet with her then fiancé, who played for the Fremantle Dockers at the time, Jules has steadily raised the bar in fashion and is now one of the most hotly anticipated WAGs of the night.

When Lachie won his first Brownlow in 2020, he also revealed the huge personal sacrifice his wife had made to support him in selling her Perth salon during their move.

“My wife Jules, she is a wonderful person,” he shared in his acceptance speech.

“Not many people probably know, but she had a salon in Perth before we decided to move to Brisbane. She had to sell that to come here and follow my dreams.

“She did really well for herself there, but she always puts me first when she shouldn’t.

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

Jules regularly gives online insights into her relationship with Lachie and their growing family, with the pair looking as in love as ever.

The couple welcomed Piper Rose in September 2021 and have spoken openly about their struggle to conceive their beloved daughter.

Jules is seen at her husband’s side both on and off the pitch and often graces the red carpet with him, showcasing her glamorous sense of style.

The Brownlow Medal recognizes the fairest and best player in AFL during the home and away season, with Lachie taking home the award in both 2020 and 2023.

He became only the 16th player in VFL/AFL history to win the prestigious award multiple times, with his wife Julie standing proudly by his side after his win.