The scandal engulfing Brisbane Lions co-captain Lachie Neale has taken another emotional turn as his estranged wife, Jules Neale, has spoken out about the deep betrayal she feels, particularly highlighting the closeness that once existed between her and Tess Crosley—the woman at the center of the alleged affair.

In recent statements and social media activity, Jules has expressed profound hurt over how someone she considered a trusted confidante became involved in the breakdown of her marriage. “Tess used to know all our secrets, and it seems she was very excited to learn about my family story,” Jules reportedly conveyed in comments that have circulated widely, underscoring the sting of having personal vulnerabilities shared with someone who allegedly crossed boundaries. This sentiment captures the layered pain of not just a marital split but the loss of a friendship that had been built over years of shared experiences in the tight-knit world of AFL families.

The saga began gaining public traction in late December 2025 when Jules posted a strongly worded message on social media, describing an “unimaginable betrayal” and directly calling out Tess Crosley. In a since-deleted comment on one of Tess’s posts featuring photos from the Brisbane Lions’ grand final celebrations in September 2025, Jules urged her former friend to remove the images, labeling the situation embarrassing. The outburst came amid rumors that had been building for weeks, fueled by whispers within the Brisbane football community.

Lachie Neale, 32, a dual Brownlow Medal winner and key figure in the Lions’ recent premiership success, confirmed the separation in a brief press conference on January 2, 2026. He acknowledged letting his family down and apologized for his actions without delving into specifics, while also announcing he would step down as co-captain to focus on personal matters. The couple, married since 2018, share two young children—Piper Rose and Freddie Oliver—and had presented a picture of stability amid the demands of elite sport.

Reports indicate the alleged affair between Neale and Tess Crosley—a glamorous neighbor, former Mormon missionary, and mother to a young son—had been ongoing for several months, possibly up to six. Eyewitnesses from a luxury gym in Brisbane’s Newstead area described the pair as openly affectionate, with displays that suggested little effort to conceal their connection. One gym member recounted seeing them together frequently, assuming Neale was already separated given the behavior. The tipping point reportedly came when another partner of a Lions player spotted the two in a compromising position inside a car, leading to a difficult decision to inform Jules after consulting with others in the WAG (wives and girlfriends) circle.

Jules, a Perth-born hairdresser and influencer, swiftly removed traces of both her husband and Crosley from her Instagram, including shared family photos and group shots from team events. She relocated to Western Australia with the children shortly after the news broke, seeking support from her family network there. Spotted recently in Perth, she appeared composed while handling daily tasks, though the emotional weight was evident in her public statements emphasizing healing and prioritizing her kids.

Tess Crosley, around 30, had been part of the Neales’ inner circle for years. She and her husband Ben Crosley lived nearby, and the families socialized frequently—attending games, celebrations, and casual gatherings. Tess’s involvement in the Lions’ social scene included posting joyful content from premiership events, often featuring the Neales. Following the scandal, she archived or deleted relevant posts, and her husband Ben made a low-key return to social media with content from a Bali retreat, including solo images that some interpreted as signs of personal reflection or separation.

The phrase capturing Jules’ sentiments about Tess knowing “all our secrets” and appearing eager to delve into family details highlights the intimacy of the friendship that preceded the alleged betrayal. As close confidantes, Jules and Tess had shared personal stories, parenting experiences, and the unique challenges of life married to high-profile athletes. This closeness made the alleged affair particularly devastating, turning private vulnerabilities into a public spectacle.

The broader fallout has rippled through the AFL community. Other WAGs have rallied around Jules, distancing themselves from Crosley, while the Lions organization has offered support to Neale during his leadership transition. Financial implications loom large for Neale, whose personal brand and endorsements—estimated at around $1.5 million—could suffer from the negative publicity. His contract status with the club adds uncertainty as the 2026 season approaches.

For Jules, the statements reflect a woman reclaiming her narrative after profound hurt. She has stressed that reconciliation is not on the table, focusing instead on recovery and her children’s well-being. The scandal serves as a stark reminder of how personal relationships in the spotlight can unravel dramatically, especially when trust is broken within close-knit circles.

As details continue to emerge, the story remains a cautionary tale of fame, fidelity, and the consequences of blurred boundaries. Jules’ words about Tess’s knowledge of family secrets linger as a poignant expression of betrayal—not just romantic, but deeply personal and trusting.