Jules Neale takes a swipe at ex Lachie over his decision to move to Melbourne rather than relocate to Perth to be closer to their children

Jules Neale has taken a swipe at her ex-husband Lachie over his decision to move to Melbourne to continue his AFL career, rather than relocate to Western Australia where their two children are living. 

Lachie recently confirmed he would be leaving the Brisbane Lions after eight seasons to join Collingwood on a three-year deal from the 2027 season, ending months of speculation about his football future.

The hairdresser, 36, made the comments while attending Melbourne Cup Day at Flemington on Tuesday, where she turned heads in a striking red ensemble by Australian designer By Johnny.

Speaking to the Herald Sun about Lachie's decision to join Collingwood, Jules admitted: 'I would have preferred him to be closer to the kids, but he's going to make his own decisions.' 

Lachie's move to Melbourne means he will continue his football career in Victoria, while Jules remains in Perth with their children, Piper and Freddie.

Jules' appearance at the Melbourne Cup came just days after Lachie made his public debut with new girlfriend Emma Field at Derby Day on Saturday.

The former couple managed to avoid an awkward reunion by attending the famous racing carnival on separate days, with Jules telling the Herald Sun: 'It's been a whole year, I think we've moved past that moment.'

'I'm glad we were here on different days,' she added.

Elsewhere at the Melbourne Cup, Jules told the Daily Mail that she is wiping Lachie from her life for good by getting an initial tattoo covered up. 

When quizzed whether she plans to get any more tattoos after her recent rose inking, Jules replied: 'I am, I'm booked in for two more. Little ones, so we're not going crazy. A couple of friendship ones and maybe a cover-up job,' she said with a knowing glance. 

'I have an initial on my hand that needs to be changed,' she later clarified, referring to the 'L' inked on her right hand that she recently attempted to laser off. 

It comes after Lachie's marriage to Jules spectacularly unravelled late last year, following allegations of an affair involving her former best friend Tess Crosley. 

The footballer has publicly apologised for letting down his family, while Jules has spoken candidly about the devastation of discovering the alleged betrayal.

In August, she revealed on the Pretty Sure podcast that she had learned about Lachie's new relationship through media reports, rather than directly from her former husband.

'A heads-up would’ve been nice, but no, I found out in the media like everybody else did,' she said.

Jules also described the alleged affair with her former close friend as an ongoing four-month relationship that had taken place behind her back.

Since the split, both Lachie and Jules have made high-profile appearances on the social circuit, with Emma increasingly stepping into the spotlight alongside her new partner.

Emma was among the Brisbane Lions supporters cheering on Lachie at September's AFL Grand Final, wearing a personalised 'NEALE 9' jacket, while Jules made her own feelings about the match clear by posing in a Fremantle Dockers scarf.

In October, Emma accompanied Lachie to the annual Club Champion dinner at The Star Brisbane.

The brunette put on quite the racy display as she attended the dinner, placing a hand on Lachie's thigh as she wore a very low-cut minidress. 

Meanwhile, Lachie's pet name for Emma was revealed when she shared a series of photos to social media showing the couple spending time together. 

Emma captioned the gallery with some telling words: 'A very fun couple of weeks.'

Lachie was quick to share his appreciation in the comments, revealing his pet name for his new partner: 'Effy x.'