Thursday, January 15, 2026 – Australian rules football star Lachie Neale has been at the centre of a scandal that has rocked the AFL and stunned fans nationwide. The Brisbane Lions captain, 32, was reportedly caught in a compromising situation in a car with Tess Crosley, a married former close friend of his wife, Jules Neale.
The Affair That Shattered a Marriage
The secret relationship between Neale and Crosley allegedly began more than three months ago. The affair was reportedly first discovered by a teammate’s partner, leading to the collapse of Neale and Jules’s seven-year marriage.
Jules, 35, described the betrayal as “unimaginable” and returned to her hometown of Perth, Western Australia, with their two children over Christmas 2025, leaving Neale in Brisbane.
Despite early rumours that the couple might reconcile, Jules publicly confirmed on social media that she is not “working through” anything. She said she was focused on healing and prioritizing her children.
Public Acknowledgment and Consequences
On January 2, 2026, Neale acknowledged his actions and stepped down from his leadership role at Brisbane Lions. Speaking publicly, he said: “I have let my family down, and I apologise for my actions, which have hurt those closest to me. I accept this as a consequence of my actions, and I need to focus on rebuilding trust with Jules as the future well-being of our children remains our number one priority.”
Neale also asked for privacy as he navigates this personal crisis and confirmed his separation from Jules.
Fallout for Tess Crosley
Tess, 30, is no longer wearing her wedding ring and spent Christmas with her young son on the Gold Coast before staying at a private property near Byron Bay. Her husband, Ben Crosley, reportedly travelled to Bali over the New Year.
Past Highlights of Lachie and Jules Neale
Lachie and Jules first met as teenagers in Perth but reconnected six years later. They married in 2018 after getting engaged in 2017. Jules, a hairdresser and influencer, had put her own career aside to support Neale’s AFL career. The couple moved to Brisbane in 2019 after Neale signed with the Lions, helping the team secure back-to-back premiership wins in 2024 and 2025.
The Personal Impact
Jules has unfollowed Neale on Instagram and removed images of the couple, signaling a clear break. Meanwhile, the couple appears to be preparing to sell their $2.43 million home in Seven Hills, Brisbane, as both move forward separately.
“She has been my rock and biggest support,” Neale said in a previous speech. “She put me ahead of herself when she shouldn’t have to, and I love her for that.”
The shocking scandal has left the AFL community and fans watching closely as all parties attempt to rebuild their lives after this deeply personal betrayal.
