The off-season drama surrounding Brisbane Lions superstar Lachie Neale has escalated into one of the most talked-about scandals in Australian football circles, with allegations of infidelity pulling in not just his estranged wife Jules but also a close friend from their inner circle: Tess Crosley. As the fallout continues to unfold in early 2026, attention has turned to Crosley herself, whose recent public appearances and social media activity appear to offer subtle hints about the state of her own marriage—particularly through the notable absence of her wedding ring.

Lachie Neale, a dual Brownlow Medal winner and co-captain of the Brisbane Lions, confirmed his separation from wife Jules in a brief press conference in early January 2026. The announcement came amid swirling rumors that had intensified over the Christmas period, when Jules publicly accused her husband of an “unimaginable betrayal.” In a now-deleted social media comment, she directly addressed Tess Crosley, demanding she remove photos from Brisbane’s grand final celebrations, calling her out in sharp terms. The post captured widespread attention and fueled speculation that Crosley, a longtime friend of Jules and part of the Lions’ WAG (wives and girlfriends) community, was at the center of the marital breakdown.

Reports suggest the alleged affair between Neale and Crosley came to light when another partner of a Brisbane Lions player spotted the pair in a compromising position inside a car. Sources described the interaction as overt and lacking discretion, with gym members noting months of affectionate behavior between Neale and Crosley at a shared fitness facility. One eyewitness claimed Neale and Crosley had been openly close for an extended period—potentially up to six months—leading some to assume the Neales’ marriage had already ended quietly. This timeline places the alleged relationship overlapping with Brisbane’s successful 2025 AFL season, including their premiership run, adding layers of complexity to the scandal.

Neale, 32, and Jules had been married since 2018, sharing two young children. The couple’s family home in Brisbane was vacated over the holiday break, with Neale moving into a new apartment and Jules relocating to Western Australia to be closer to her support network. In stepping down as co-captain, Neale cited personal reasons, acknowledging the toll the situation had taken. The split has raised questions about potential financial implications, with estimates suggesting the high-profile breakdown could impact his personal brand and endorsements valued at around $1.5 million.

Tess Crosley, around 30 years old and a practicing Mormon, has found herself thrust into the spotlight as the alleged third party. Married to Ben Crosley and mother to a young son, she had been part of the tight-knit group surrounding the Neales, often appearing in social photos from team events and family gatherings. Following the scandal breaking in late December 2025, Crosley began scrubbing or archiving content linked to the Neales, including grand final celebration images that had drawn Jules’ ire.

What has sparked particular intrigue is Crosley’s recent public outings and posts, where she has conspicuously not been wearing her wedding ring—a detail picked up by eagle-eyed observers and media outlets. Photos circulating in January 2026 show her without the band, prompting speculation that her own marriage may be in trouble or already over. “Tess has been abandoned by her husband for a long time,” has surfaced in online discussions, possibly as a cryptic or translated hint from Vietnamese-language commentary or social media chatter referencing her situation. While not directly quoted from Crosley, it aligns with the narrative of marital strain, suggesting her relationship with Ben may have deteriorated well before the Neale drama exploded.

Ben Crosley has maintained a low profile but made a notable return to social media with posts from a retreat in Bali, including topless images that some interpreted as a sign of moving forward or independence. The couple shares a son, and Tess has continued posting family-oriented content over Christmas, including joyful snaps with her child, though the absence of any mention or visible presence of Ben has added fuel to rumors of separation.

The scandal has divided the Brisbane Lions community, with partners of other players reportedly rallying around Jules in support. Some WAGs have distanced themselves from Crosley, while the broader AFL world grapples with the personal repercussions of high-profile relationships under intense scrutiny. Neale’s decision to address the media and step back from leadership reflects the pressure, as the league emphasizes player welfare amid personal crises.

For Tess Crosley, the cryptic clue of the missing wedding ring serves as a poignant symbol amid the chaos. Whether it indicates a formal separation, a temporary rift, or simply a stylistic choice, it has become a focal point in discussions about the ripple effects of the Neale split. Crosley’s Mormon background adds another dimension, as the faith places strong emphasis on marriage and family, making any perceived breakdown particularly noteworthy.

As the new AFL season approaches, the story continues to evolve. Neale prepares for life post-captaincy, Jules rebuilds in the west, and Tess navigates the fallout from being at the heart of the controversy. The subtle detail of a bare ring finger may prove to be more telling than words, offering a quiet glimpse into how deeply this scandal has touched multiple families and the close-knit world of Australian football’s elite.