Emma Field, the new partner of Brisbane Lions player Lachie Neale, was seen braving rainy Melbourne weather on Saturday morning for a coffee and food run. The outing occurred just hours before Neale was set to play in the AFL Grand Final.
Neale, 33, was scheduled to compete against Fremantle at 2:30 p.m. AEST. His participation in the final followed a successful appeal against a one-match ban that had threatened to keep him from the premiership decider. Field, 29, appeared to be fulfilling the role of a supportive partner as she stepped out in the inclement weather.
She was photographed wearing an oversized pink jumper with the hood up and form-fitting black leggings. Field later added designer sunglasses as she carried takeaway coffee cups and a burger box. At one point, she was seen conversing on her phone.
The couple had been seen enjoying a relaxed brunch in Melbourne the previous day, following the news of Neale's successful appeal. Neale had been given a one-match suspension for striking Jack Ginnivan of Hawthorn during their preliminary final match. The tribunal initially upheld the penalty, but Brisbane's appeal on Thursday resulted in its overturning.
Despite the successful appeal, Neale faced jeers from some Fremantle supporters during the grand final parade in Melbourne. When asked about the suspension scare, Neale stated he had feared he was in trouble for most of the week but was relieved the appeal went his way.
Neale credited his support system for helping him navigate the uncertainty. "I've got great people around me that keep things pretty normal," he told Fox Footy. "Just glad I'm able to play tomorrow."
This match could also mark Neale's farewell to the Brisbane Lions, as he is reportedly set to join Collingwood next year. However, his immediate focus is on securing a third consecutive premiership with Brisbane.