A stunning new allegation has emerged in the explosive scandal surrounding Brisbane Lions superstar Lachie Neale and Tess Crosley, the former close friend of Neale’s wife Jules Neale: a mutual acquaintance from their shared social circle has claimed that Crosley “always tried to get [Neale’s] attention – even when his wife was there.”
The bombshell comment, reported amid the ongoing fallout from the Neales’ marriage breakdown in early January 2026, suggests a pattern of deliberate flirtation and pursuit that went beyond discreet encounters. The mutual friend, speaking anonymously to media outlets as the story continued to dominate Australian headlines, described Crosley’s behavior as persistent and bold, occurring in group settings where Jules was present. This account paints a picture of an affair that was not only long-running but also increasingly overt, contributing to the “unimaginable betrayal” Jules publicly cited when announcing the separation.
The scandal first broke over the Christmas-New Year period in late 2025, when reports surfaced that Neale, 32 – a dual Brownlow Medal winner and former Lions co-captain – had been involved in an extramarital relationship with Crosley, 30, a Brisbane-based influencer, former Mormon missionary, and mother to a young child. Crosley was once among Jules’s closest confidantes, with the two families living nearby and frequently socializing together. Jules, 35, a hair stylist and social media personality, confirmed the split in a heartfelt statement, relocating to Perth, Western Australia, with their two young children, Piper and Freddie, for family support.
Neale addressed the controversy in a press conference at Brighton Homes Arena on January 2, 2026, taking “full responsibility” for letting his family down, apologizing vaguely, and stepping down from his co-captaincy to prioritize personal matters. He has since moved into a Brisbane apartment, while the Brisbane Lions have backed his temporary leadership hiatus ahead of the 2026 season.
Multiple sources have detailed the affair’s duration and visibility. An anonymous gym member at Total Fusion Newstead – the upscale Brisbane facility both Neale and Crosley frequented – previously claimed the pair were “very affectionate and without much shame” for months. “They did not try to hide it,” the source told news.com.au, adding that their behavior led observers to assume Neale was already separated. Crosley posted a gym selfie from the venue’s signature wood benches and lockers on December 7, 2025, with Neale reportedly engaging via comment, further highlighting their public interactions.
The new mutual friend’s claim escalates the narrative: Crosley allegedly sought Neale’s attention consistently, including in Jules’s presence during social gatherings or events. This behavior reportedly created tension and awkwardness among the group, with some noticing the dynamic long before the affair became public knowledge. Insiders suggest the relationship may have lasted three to six months, potentially starting around or before Brisbane’s 2025 premiership run, including the historic grand final. The tipping point came when another Lions WAG allegedly discovered the pair in a compromising position in a car and informed Jules, leading to the swift collapse.
Crosley, married to finance director Ben Crosley, has faced intense scrutiny. Recent appearances show her without a wedding ring: during Christmas celebrations on the Gold Coast, a quiet 30th birthday at Penfolds Magill Estate Winery in Adelaide, and other low-key outings. Ben was photographed on a solo “boys trip” to Bali’s Bambu Fitness retreat in early January, also appearing ringless and relaxed with friends – fueling speculation about their own marriage. Tess has avoided direct comment, dodging reporter questions in brief encounters and deleting or archiving related social media content.
The mutual friend’s revelation adds a layer of premeditation and disregard to the story, shifting focus toward Crosley’s alleged role in pursuing the relationship despite the close friendship with Jules. It has sparked broader discussions on social media (including Reddit’s r/AFL and r/brisbanelions threads) about boundaries in high-profile circles, the impact of infidelity on families, and the pressures faced by AFL partners.
Jules has remained dignified, emphasizing healing and her children’s wellbeing in public statements. A now-deleted comment reportedly aimed at Crosley – urging her to remove certain posts – hinted at the raw emotion involved. The Neales’ once-publicly affectionate life – filled with premiership joy, family milestones, and shared social events – stands in stark contrast to the current reality.
As of mid-January 2026, no further official statements have come from Neale or Crosley. The Brisbane Lions continue to support Neale’s personal time, but the scandal’s ripple effects linger: damaged reputations, strained friendships, and questions about trust in the tight-knit AFL community. The mutual friend’s claim – that Crosley “always” sought Neale’s attention, even with Jules present – has become a pivotal detail, underscoring how what began as subtle flirtations allegedly escalated into a full-blown betrayal that shattered multiple lives.
This Australian football soap opera shows no signs of slowing, with every new claim deepening the public fascination and personal heartbreak at its core.
