The recent emotional Instagram post from Jules Neale, the estranged wife of Brisbane Lions AFL star Lachie Neale, has sent shockwaves through Australian social media circles. In a raw and vulnerable share, Jules posted a series of photos showing her looking visibly worn down and tear-streaked, her face etched with exhaustion and sorrow. Accompanying the images was a heartfelt caption detailing her journey through unimaginable pain following the revelation of her husband’s alleged months-long affair with her former close friend, Tess Crosley. The post, which highlighted her determination to rise above the betrayal and keep moving forward for her children, quickly went viral, sparking an outpouring of support, empathy, and heated discussion online.

The scandal first erupted publicly in late December 2025, around the holiday period, when rumors swirled about cracks in the Neale marriage. Lachie Neale, a dual Brownlow Medal winner and co-captain of the Brisbane Lions (a role he stepped down from in early January 2026 amid the fallout), confirmed the separation in a brief statement to reporters. “I can confirm though with regret that Jules and I have now separated,” he said, adding that he had “let my family down” and apologized for actions that hurt those closest to him. While he avoided directly addressing infidelity rumors when pressed, the implication was clear: the split stemmed from personal failings on his part.

Reports soon filled in the gaps, alleging that Lachie had been involved in an affair with Tess Crosley, who was previously one of Jules’ best friends. Tess, a 30-year-old former Mormon missionary living in Brisbane, reportedly became close to the Neales through social and AFL circles. The alleged relationship is said to have lasted up to six months—potentially beginning around the time of the 2025 AFL Grand Final—before it was exposed. According to accounts, the discovery came when another Brisbane Lions WAG (wife or girlfriend) reportedly caught Lachie and Tess in a compromising position in a car. After internal debate, the witness informed Jules, leading to the explosive fallout.

Jules, a 35-year-old hairdresser and influencer with a significant online following, initially broke her silence in a subtle but pointed way. She commented on one of Tess’s Instagram posts (now deleted), urging her to remove photos featuring the group—including images from happier times like grand final celebrations—with words like “Take these down you idiot, you’re embarrassing yourself.” The comment hinted at deep hurt and a sense of betrayal not just from her husband but from a trusted friend. Soon after, Jules relocated to Perth with their two young children: daughter Piper (around four years old) and one-year-old son Freddie. She has since focused on rebuilding, sharing glimpses of family outings, kindy milestones, and sun-soaked adventures that project resilience and a fresh start.

The turning point came with Jules’ latest emotional post. The images captured her in a moment of raw vulnerability—haggard expression, tears streaming, perhaps after a sleepless night or a wave of grief. In her caption, she opened up about hitting rock bottom: the shock of the “unimaginable betrayal,” the pain of shattered trust, the challenge of single parenting amid public scrutiny, and the toll on her mental health. Yet she emphasized hope and strength, writing about choosing to “keep going,” prioritizing her kids’ well-being, and finding small joys in everyday life. She described the process as “hell and back,” but framed it as a path to healing—vowing not to let the trauma define her or stop her from living fully.

The response from the online community has been overwhelming and polarized. On Instagram, thousands flooded the comments with messages of solidarity: “You’re so strong,” “Sending love from afar,” “You’ve got this mama.” Many praised her courage in sharing such an unfiltered moment, seeing it as a powerful act of reclaiming her narrative rather than hiding behind curated perfection. AFL fans and WAG circles expressed mixed feelings—some condemned Lachie’s actions harshly, calling for accountability, while others urged privacy for the family, especially the children caught in the crossfire.

Tess Crosley, thrust unwillingly into the spotlight, has remained mostly silent. She posted cryptically after the scandal broke, sharing images of herself on a boat with a scarf partially covering her face and a caption hinting “there’s always another story” and “more than meets the eye.” Her husband, Ben Crosley, initially told media she had moved out of their marital home in Brisbane’s Camp Hill suburb, but recent photos showed her returning there, smiling in activewear—sparking speculation about reconciliation or simply moving on. Some reports noted subtle social media interactions, like “likes” that might suggest thawing tensions, though nothing has been confirmed.

Lachie has kept a low profile since stepping down as co-captain, focusing on training and family priorities in statements. He has not elaborated on the affair allegations beyond his initial apology, leaving much to speculation in AFL forums, Reddit threads (like r/AFL and r/brisbanelions), and tabloid coverage.

Jules’ tearful post stands out as a poignant milestone in this saga. It humanizes the often-glamorized world of AFL partners, showing the real devastation behind headlines. By baring her pain while affirming her resolve to survive and thrive, she has resonated deeply—reminding followers that betrayal can shatter lives but not unbreakable spirits. As she continues posting positive updates from Perth—first days of kindy, beach days, family bonds—the contrast with her vulnerable share only amplifies the message: healing is messy, nonlinear, and profoundly personal.

The Neale-Crosley drama serves as a stark reminder of how quickly private pain can become public spectacle in the age of social media. For Jules, the tears may have dried, but the strength she projects now inspires many navigating their own heartbreaks. Amid the noise, her story boils down to one resilient truth: even after the worst betrayal, life—and love for her children—goes on.