A LIONS CUB FOR STAR FOOTY PLAYER ... JUST IN TIME FOR XMAS!

Brisbane Lions star Lachlan Neale and wife Jules with baby Freddie Photo: Annette Dew

Brisbane Lions co-captain Lachlan Neale and his wife Jules have welcomed a baby boy to their family – just in time for Christmas.

Baby Freddie Oliver Neale was born at Mater Mothers’ Private Hospital on 16 December at 9.30pm.

Weighing 3.02kg, little Freddie is a much-wanted baby for the Neale family, including big sister Piper.

Freddie shares the same middle name as his doting dad, who helped co-captain the Brisbane Lions to a premiership in September this year.

Mr Neale said the arrival of his newborn son was exciting and “a lot different to winning a premiership”.

“Look, it has been a big year! Having our healthy baby boy is better than a premiership.

“We have looked at his calves and they are skinny – hopefully he plays golf one day,” Mr and Mrs Neale laughed.

Mrs Neale said her son was “eager to arrive” after having a quick labour.

“Freddie was due on 29 December but was in a hurry to join us for Christmas this year it seems!” she said.

Mr Neale said this Christmas would involve a quiet celebration with family in Brisbane.

“We will be staying put and soaking up some family time,” he said. “It’s really exciting to have a little girl and a boy.”

Mr Neale said when Piper met her brother for the first time yesterday, she cried and didn’t want to leave his side.

“It was special to see them together for the first time,” Mr Neale said.