It’s a familiar story: an AFL star and their wife appear to have it all, only for their marriage to break down under the media spotlight.
But amid the headlines and gossip, the question remains: who gets the keys to the house?
Here is a look at the high-profile AFL splits and what happened to their homes.
NATHAN AND TANIA BUCKLEY
In 2007, Tania Buckley bought a mansion in Melbourne with her then husband, AFL great Nathan Buckley, for $3.92m.
The former AFL power couple separated in 2020 and the Toorak home landed with her during the divorce.
Tania ended an almost year-long effort to sell the Toorak mansion with a close to $10m windfall.
She first put the luxurious residence up for sale in March 2024 with a $16.8m-$18m price guide. It relisted in October that year with a $15m-$16.5m asking price.
Industry sources put the final price at $13.1m, far above the $3.92m the Buckleys paid.
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Nathan and Tania Buckley. Picture: Jason Edwards
Tania Buckley sold the family home in Toorak. Picture: Supplied
GARRY AND MELISSA LYON
In the wake of Garry Lyon’s 2016 split from wife Melissa, the couple offloaded their home in the affluent suburb of Deepdene.
The property was sold for $6.8m in May 2015, shortly before it was revealed the Melbourne legend was seeing Nicky Brownless, his best mate’s former wife.
Lyon later stepped down from The Footy Show and is set to marry Nicky this year.
Former couples Billy and Nicky Brownless pose with Melissa and Garry Lyon before one of the biggest AFL scandals eventually unfolded. Picture: Supplied
The property was sold for $6.8m in May 2015. Picture: Supplied
BILLY AND NICKY BROWNLESS
In 2015, Billy Brownless separated from his wife Nicky before she moved on with Garry Lyon.
“It was public, very public,” the 53-year-old told Australian entertainer Rhonda Burchmore on I’m a Celebrity … Get Me Out of Here! in 2020.
CoreLogic records show Nicky bought a four-bedroom house in Newtown, Geelong, for $1.55m in early 2013. She sold the property for $2.075m in May 2018.
Nicky sold a 4-bedroom house in Newtown, Geelong, for $2.075m in 2018.
JIMMY AND NADIA BARTEL
Brownlow medallist Jimmy Bartel and his influencer wife Nadia split in 2019, five years after tying the knot.
In 2020, the former couple bagged a buyer for their “elite” St Kilda West house. The high-profile pair earned $3.915m for the striking five-bedroom home in a private sale.
The Bartels paid $3.76m for the property in September 2017. The 1904-built landmark also has links to singer Nick Cave.
Jimmy Bartel and his influencer wife Nadia split in 2019. Picture: nadiabartel/Instagram
In 2020, the former couple bagged a buyer for their “elite” St Kilda West house.
PIA AND BRAD MILLER
Former Home and Away star Pia Miller and retired Demon player Brad Miller cut ties with their former Melbourne base in 2018.
The pair sold the two-bedroom Elwood townhouse they once shared for $1.165m.
The sale marks a major financial win for the former couple, who split in 2015. Brad originally bought the property for $540,000 in 2005.
Pia and Brad Miller
The pair sold the two-bedroom Elwood townhouse they once shared for $1.165m. Picture: Supplied
GARY AND AMIE ROHAN
The high school sweethearts were married for four years before splitting in 2020 following the Covid-19 hub bubble.
Rohan later went public with Geelong physiotherapist Madi Bennett, whom he has since married.
The former Cats player sold his former Coogee home before its scheduled auction for $1.4m.
He had originally paid $1,015,000 for the St Jude property in 2014. The unit had been fetching $900 a week as a rental before the sale.
Amie Rohan and Gary Rohan were married four years before splitting in 2020. Picture: Instagram
James and Tania Hird split last year after 27 years of marriage. Picture: Mark Stewart
JAMES AND TANIA HIRD
The ex-Bombers coach and designer wife Tania separated last year after 27 years of marriage.
While they have kept news of their marriage breakdown quiet, the dual premiership player moved out of the family’s Toorak mansion. No sale has been recorded for the property.
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