Brisbane has faced scrutiny over the removal of a social media post showcasing Lachie Neale and his daughter Piper as they walked onto the MCG for his 300th game last week.
They entered through a guard of honour for the occasion, but the four-year-old was visibly overwhelmed and ended up in tears.
After attempting to soothe her, Neale passed Piper to a Brisbane staff member.
The Lions had posted the video on Instagram along with another clip of Piper interviewing her father the day prior to the match.
Lachie Neale takes to the field with his daughter, Piper, ahead of his 300th AFL match. via Getty Images
The video transitions from her shaking her head when asked if she felt excited to then seeing her in tears at the moment, captioned “our shy queen”.
Jules Neale, Piper’s mother, remarked, “She’s not shy. She’s scared and it’s not funny.”
This comment quickly garnered hundreds of likes, prompting the Lions to delete the original post.
Jules Neale, along with their one-year-old son Freddie, stayed in Perth and did not travel to Melbourne for Neale’s milestone match against Melbourne.
The couple announced their separation earlier this year in a very public split.
As Lachie Neale approaches the end of his contract this season, he has expressed a desire to potentially return to Perth, where he began his AFL career, to be closer to family.
Lachie Neale of the Lions. via Getty Images
Lions coach Chris Fagan has publicly committed to supporting Neale in any decision he makes, including the possibility of leaving the club.
With this in mind, West Coast’s CEO Don Pyke stated on Monday that they would be eager to discuss Neale’s future with him.
“We’re aware of Lachie’s personal situation, and if he wishes to return to WA to continue his playing career, we would be interested in talking to him,” Pyke said during an interview with SEN in Perth.
“He’s obviously doing well at Brisbane and remains a fantastic player. He’s still in excellent form, and it looks as if he has many more games ahead of him.”
“If he decides to prioritise his family and personal life, we would definitely like to have a conversation.”
Neale, a two-time Brownlow Medallist, could serve as a veteran midfield leader for the Eagles, benefiting young talents like No.1 draft picks Harley Reid and Willem Duursma.
At 32, he remains in outstanding form, recording 42 disposals and 13 marks during a comprehensive victory over Adelaide in his 301st match.
In stark contrast, West Coast is facing challenges on the field.
The Eagles exit the field following a 100-point defeat. Getty
The Eagles suffered a heavy 101-point loss to St Kilda. Although they had made some improvements this season with two early wins, this marks their second 100-point loss, having previously been defeated by Sydney by 128 points in Round Four.
“It was a disappointing afternoon; we didn’t anticipate that outcome. We had felt confident after strong performances against North and Port, and even in last week’s Derby, that our contest strategies and pressure would lead to a better result,” Pyke explained.
“We were aware that this season would have its ups and downs, especially with our very young squad.”
“The final loss was certainly not indicative of the standards we aim for as a club, but there are factors at play regarding the youth and inexperience of our team.”
Fremantle has also shown interest in Neale returning to their ranks if he decides to play in Perth next season.
Leading up to his 300th game, Neale indicated he was “nowhere near” a decision at this point.
Compiled by SportArena.au
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