This year's lead-up to Mother's Day looks markedly different for Jules Neale, four months after her high-profile public separation from Brisbane Lions premiership player Lachie Neale. The mother of two returned to her hometown of Perth in January to be with family after spending more than seven years in Queensland. Now, she is adjusting to life as a single parent while sharing custody of her two young children.
New Beginnings in Perth
The couple's children, Piper, aged four, and Freddie, aged one, are frequently featured in individual social media updates from both parents, who now live on opposite sides of the country. This suggests that the former couple has established a dynamic custody arrangement that allows both to remain actively involved in their children's lives.
Jules shared with the Herald Sun that this year's Mother's Day, falling on May 10, will be unlike any before. "Mother's Day this year is looking a little different," she said. "But my kids are my absolute world and literally the best thing that's ever happened to me. They make every single day brighter, and I don't take a moment of it for granted."
A Celebration of Family
In a recent paid collaboration with Country Road, celebrating motherhood, Jules and her toddler Freddie were seen embracing lovingly at a luxury estate, illustrating their close bond. Looking to repay the love to her own mother ahead of the special day, Jules' return to Western Australia has brought them closer. "Mother's Day has always meant so much to me, and I'm excited to be able to celebrate with my own mum this year," she added. "She's been an incredible support over the last few months to me and the kids. We're planning to have a big family lunch with my brothers, their partners, and kids, so it will be a beautiful day spent together."
Co-Parenting Challenges
While Jules and Lachie have attempted to remain publicly amicable as they co-parent, a recent Instagram post by the Brisbane Lions ahead of the dual Brownlow medallist's 300th game drew criticism from the mother. Piper had been staying with her dad for his milestone game and was seen crying, burrowed in his arms as she escorted him onto the MCG. Brisbane captioned the video "Our shy queen," which Jules took issue with. "She's not shy. She's scared, and it's not funny," she responded.
Lachie has spoken of Jules' flexibility in allowing him to visit their kids in Perth as he chooses, with his football club providing similar access. While yet to commit to where he will be playing beyond 2026, Lachie told Triple M radio that he will weigh up the "pros and cons" of staying in Queensland versus returning to WA. "For me, it comes down to family. Obviously my kids, love them to bits... Piper and Freddie," he said. "They'll be top priority."
