AFL Off-Season Update: Conduct, Leadership, and Structural Changes
The AFL off-season has featured a range of developments involving player conduct, club leadership changes, and league-level structural decisions. These include legal charges against a former player, suspensions for current players, changes to the Brisbane Lions' captaincy, and upcoming reviews of the Grand Final schedule and draft rules.
Former Player Charged with Cattle Theft
Joe Dare, 34, a former rookie listed by Carlton in the 2010 AFL draft who did not play a senior game, has been charged with theft, obtaining property by deception, and offences under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act.
The charges stem from an alleged theft of approximately 40 cattle, valued at around $80,000, from a property in Pirron Yallock, Victoria, in February. Police located the cattle at an abattoir in Tongala, Victoria, before they were slaughtered. The cattle are scheduled to be returned to their owner.
Hawthorn Player Suspensions
Hawthorn captain James Sicily and former vice-captain Dylan Moore have each received one-match suspensions for separate off-the-ball strikes during a match against Port Adelaide. Both players will miss the club's upcoming match against Gold Coast.
Zak Butters Tribunal Case
Port Adelaide's Zak Butters was cleared of a charge related to an alleged comment made to an umpire following a successful appeal. The Appeal Board found an error in law in the initial Tribunal hearing, related to a jury member briefly leaving deliberations.
AFL ARC Doctor Ruling
The AFL has stated its ARC doctor was incorrect in ruling Essendon's Tom Edwards out of a match for a concussion assessment, after the Essendon club doctor had cleared him to play. The incident involved a disagreement between the two doctors.
Brisbane Lions Leadership and Lachie Neale's Status
Lachie Neale Steps Down as Co-Captain
Brisbane Lions midfielder Lachie Neale announced on January 2 his decision to step down as co-captain and from the club's leadership group, effective immediately. Neale cited personal matters as the reason, stating he had "let his family down" and apologised for his actions. He confirmed his separation from his wife, Jules Neale.
Neale indicated he had considered resigning from the captaincy over the past 12 months, partly due to his age (32) and the emergence of younger leaders.
"He had considered resigning from the captaincy over the past 12 months, partly due to his age and the emergence of younger leaders."
Club Response and Leadership Transition
Brisbane Lions coach Chris Fagan stated the decision was "sensible" given Neale's family circumstances. Football manager Danny Daly confirmed the club acknowledged Neale's decision, noting that being captain carries a "high level of expectation and commitment to uphold our club values."
The Lions have since adopted a three-person co-captaincy model featuring Harris Andrews, Josh Dunkley, and Hugh McCluggage.
Contract Status and Potential Relocation
Neale is out of contract at the end of the current season and is an unrestricted free agent. He has committed to playing for the Lions for the 2026 season but remained non-committal about his future beyond that period. Neale indicated a need to spend more time in Perth to be with his young children, following the relocation of his estranged wife, Jules Neale, and their two children to Western Australia.
Fagan stated the club would not impede a potential move, saying, "If he chooses to move back to Perth because he needs to be close to his children, then he'll do that with our blessing."
On-Field Performance Outlook
Neale stated confidence in his on-field performance, describing football as "a great outlet for me." Fagan expressed belief that Neale could "have another good season."
Jules Neale's Professional Return
Jules Neale, a 36-year-old hair colour specialist, announced on Instagram that she will resume working as a hairdresser at Studio C Artistry in Mount Pleasant, a suburb of Perth, starting in June. Pricing for her services includes:
- $560 for a full head of foils
- $460 for half a head of foils
- $160 for a women's haircut
- $50 for a 15-minute consultation
AFL Grand Final and Structural Reviews
Grand Final Time Slot Review
The AFL Commission is scheduled to make a decision on the Grand Final's time slot, potentially shifting it from a day game to a twilight or night event. AFL chief executive Andrew Dillon indicated a decision would be made at the upcoming Commission meeting in late April or early May.
Incoming chairman Craig Drummond is expected to lead these talks, considering potential for increased television audiences against fan preference for the afternoon fixture.
Reports also indicate the AFL is in the latter stages of planning to move the 2027 Grand Final to October, due to the MCG hosting a cricket Test match in March 2027, requiring a later season start.
Draft System Changes
Changes to the draft bidding system are expected, aiming to increase the cost for clubs acquiring Academy and father-son linked players. Dillon stated the system needs to ensure fair value is exchanged for priority access. An announcement is anticipated within the next few weeks.
Queensland Opening Round Weather
The Bureau of Meteorology anticipated heavy rainfall across south-east Queensland for the AFL's Opening Round. Dillon confirmed that games would proceed as scheduled, stating conditions were not comparable to the cyclone that led to fixture cancellations in 2025.
Scott Pendlebury Record Game Plans
Collingwood coach Craig McRae stated he will meet with Scott Pendlebury to discuss plans for the player's upcoming record-breaking game. Pendlebury is three games away from surpassing Brent Harvey's all-time VFL/AFL games record of 432.