Just when the dust seemed to be settling on one of Australian sport’s most explosive scandals, a fresh lightning bolt has struck, electrifying the nation and reopening wounds that were barely starting to heal. Tess Crosley, the enigmatic former Mormon missionary at the center of Lachie Neale’s marital meltdown, has surfaced with a social media post that’s anything but subtle. In a move that’s being dissected from Brisbane’s cafes to Perth’s pubs, Crosley flaunted a delicate gold necklace—identical in design to one famously worn by Jules Neale, Lachie’s estranged wife. Is this a deliberate dig, a provocative flex, or an innocent coincidence? Whichever it is, the “necklace twist” has catapulted the saga back into the headlines, exposing raw emotions and raising questions about remorse, revenge, and the ruthless underbelly of AFL’s glittering world. As fans rage online and insiders spill secrets, this latest development isn’t just gossip—it’s a devastating reminder that betrayal’s echoes can linger long after the initial shock.

Picture the scene: It’s early January 2026, mere weeks after Neale’s bombshell resignation as Brisbane Lions co-captain. Jules Neale, 35, is piecing her life back together in the family home, surrounded by supportive friends and her two young children. Meanwhile, Crosley, 30, emerges from her self-imposed digital silence with an Instagram Story that’s equal parts glamorous and gut-punching. The post? A mirror selfie in a sleek black top, hair tousled just so, with the caption: “New year, new shine ✨.” But it’s not the outfit or the vibe that’s got everyone talking—it’s the pendant dangling from her neck: a minimalist gold chain with a small, engraved heart charm, identical to the one Jules has sported in countless photos over the years. Social media sleuths were quick to point out the match, flooding forums with side-by-side comparisons. “This can’t be random,” one viral tweet declared. “Tess is straight-up taunting Jules. What a low blow!”

The timing couldn’t be more incendiary. Coming hot on the heels of reports detailing the affair’s brazen nature—allegedly unfolding in plain sight at their shared gym and culminating in a car rendezvous spotted by a fellow WAG—this necklace flaunt feels like Crosley’s first public volley. Has she gone from homewrecker to provocateur? Or is there more to this accessory than meets the eye? As we dive deeper into this twist, one thing is clear: the “hidden proximity” that defined this scandal has evolved into something even more intimate and insidious, turning personal mementos into weapons in a very public war.

Recapping the Scandal: From Idyllic Union to Shattered Trust

To fully appreciate the sting of this new development, let’s rewind to the fairy-tale facade that once defined the Neales. Lachie Neale, the 32-year-old midfield dynamo hailing from Kyabram, Victoria, but raised in Perth, exploded onto the AFL scene with Fremantle before his 2018 trade to Brisbane Lions transformed him into a legend. A dual Brownlow Medalist (2020 and 2023), Neale’s stats are the stuff of dreams: over 250 games, averages of 30+ disposals per match, and a pivotal role in the Lions’ drought-breaking 2024 premiership. Off the field, he was the poster boy for stability—married to Jules since a lavish 2018 Perth wedding, doting father to Piper (born 2020) and Flynn (born 2023), and a family man who often credited Jules for his success in post-game interviews.

Jules, a hairdresser-turned-influencer with a loyal 50,000+ Instagram following, embodied the quintessential WAG. Her feed was a aspirational blend of family bliss: beach days at Moreton Bay, game-night glam, and honest takes on parenting. “Forever my team,” she captioned a 2024 anniversary post, showing the couple beaming with their kids. Fans idolized them as AFL’s golden pair, a beacon of enduring love amid the league’s high-pressure environment.

Tess Crosley entered this narrative not as a stranger, but as an insider. The 30-year-old Brisbane local, a former Mormon missionary who served in the Philippines, married businessman Ben Crosley in a quiet ceremony years ago. The couple, parents to a young son, resided in Teneriffe—a stone’s throw from the Neales’ riverside abode. Crosley’s transition from missionary to socialite saw her ingratiate herself into the Lions’ WAG circle, where she and Jules bonded over shared playdates, brunches, and charity events. Instagram archives reveal a sisterly closeness: a 2022 Gold Coast retreat photo with Jules’ arm around Crosley, captioned “My ride-or-die squad.” Their husbands? Lachie and Ben were golfing pals, with photos showing them on the links as late as October 2025.

But beneath the glossy surface, cracks formed. The scandal detonated over the 2025 Christmas break when Jules posted a cryptic Instagram Story: “Dealing with an unimaginable betrayal. Please respect our privacy.” Rumors ignited like wildfire. By mid-December, the Herald Sun unveiled the truth: A fellow Lions WAG had witnessed Neale and Crosley in a “compromising position” inside a parked car near the Gabba. The observer, reportedly the partner of a teammate, confronted Jules directly, unraveling the marriage in one heart-wrenching revelation.

The Affair’s Brazen Details: Gym Flirtations and Months of Deception

Insiders have since painted a picture of an affair that was anything but discreet, amplifying the betrayal’s pain. According to news.com.au, the entanglement may have lasted up to six months, potentially kicking off mid-2025 during Neale’s form dip. Daily Mail Australia counters with a three-month timeline, dating it to just before the 2025 AFL Grand Final, where Brisbane lost to Sydney despite Neale’s heroic 35 disposals.

The epicenter? Total Fusion gym in Newstead, Brisbane—a luxury fitness hub where both Neale and Crosley held memberships. Anonymous gymgoers, speaking to outlets like PerthNow and The Advertiser, described “openly affectionate” interactions: lingering chats in the cafe, spotting each other on weights, and laughter that turned heads. “For months, he was very affectionate without much shame with that Tess woman,” one source told news.com.au. “I assumed he’d split from Jules already.” Photos from the gym’s social media subtly back this up—Crosley tagged in group classes, Neale visible in backgrounds.

The car incident sealed the deal. Spotted by the WAG whistleblower, it reportedly occurred post-training, with the pair allegedly oblivious to prying eyes. “They didn’t try to hide it,” the source emphasized, echoing claims from Sky News Australia. This brazenness extended to social events: Crosley hugging Jules at the Grand Final, all while allegedly entangled with Lachie. The “hidden proximity” was key—shared friends, neighborhoods, and lifestyles made concealment easier, yet the risk thrill-seeking.

Crosley’s marriage crumbled in tandem. Ben Crosley, described as “blindsided,” has vanished from social media, spotted ringless in Brisbane cafes per Daily Mail. A bizarre twist from Sky News: Lachie still follows Ben on Instagram, a digital oversight that’s fueled memes and speculation. “Is it guilt? Arrogance?” one Reddit user pondered in a thread with over 500 comments.

The Necklace Twist: Crosley’s Provocative Return to the Spotlight

Fast-forward to January 15, 2026—Crosley’s Instagram Story drops like a grenade. The selfie, viewed by her now-private account’s remaining followers before screenshots went viral, showcases the necklace: a thin gold chain with a heart pendant, engraved with what appears to be initials or a small date. Eagle-eyed fans immediately flagged the similarity to Jules’ signature piece—a gift from Lachie on their fifth anniversary in 2023, as detailed in Jules’ old posts. “Matching bling? This is next-level shady,” tweeted influencer Mia Freedman, whose post racked up 10,000 likes.

Is it the same necklace? Theories abound. Some speculate Crosley “borrowed” it during their friendship, now flaunting it as a trophy. Others suggest it’s a deliberate replica, purchased to mimic Jules—perhaps even funded by Neale. “It’s a power move,” a source close to the WAG circle told GB News. “Tess knows Jules’ followers would spot it. It’s like saying, ‘I have what was yours.'” Crosley’s caption—”New year, new shine”—adds fuel, interpreted as a sly nod to her “upgraded” status.

Crosley’s reemergence marks her first public activity since the scandal. Previously, she’d scrubbed her feed of Neale-related content, removing joint photos with Jules and going dark over Christmas. Daily Mail confronted her outside her home days ago, where she offered a tight-lipped “no comment.” But this post? It’s bold, unapologetic, shifting her from silent figure to active participant. Reddit’s r/AFL exploded: “Tess just leveled up the villain arc,” one comment read, with users sharing side-by-sides of the necklaces.

What motivated it? Psychologists weigh in: “In affairs involving close friends, the ‘other woman’ often seeks validation,” says relationship expert Dr. Sarah Kline in an EVOKE interview. “Flaunting similar items could be reclaiming narrative control—or subconscious rivalry.” Mormon roots add intrigue; Crosley’s missionary past contrasts sharply with this secular drama, prompting questions about her faith’s views on infidelity.

Jules’ Response: From Heartbreak to Quiet Defiance

Jules hasn’t directly addressed the necklace, but her actions speak volumes. Hours after the post went viral, she shared a Story of her own: a photo of Piper and Flynn playing, captioned “True treasures 💖”—a pointed emphasis on family over material symbols. Insiders say she’s “furious but focused,” channeling energy into her hairdressing business and potential Perth relocation. “That necklace was special to her,” a friend told The Sun. “Seeing Tess wear it? It’s like twisting the knife.”

Jules’ initial “unimaginable betrayal” post has evolved into subtle shade: quotes about “fake friends” and “karma.” Reconciliation? Dismissed outright in snippets to GB News: “This isn’t fixable.” Financially, Neale’s $800,000+ salary faces scrutiny in divorce proceedings—Daily Mail estimates a $1.5 million hit, including asset splits and child support.

Broader Fallout: AFL’s Image Crisis and Fan Uproar

The necklace twist has amplified the scandal’s ripples. Neale’s January 5 resignation cited “personal reasons,” but sources link it to locker room distrust. Brisbane CEO Greg Swann’s statement—”We support Lachie”—feels hollow amid reports of tension. Teammates like Harris Andrews remain silent, but anonymous players whisper: “How do you lead after betraying your own?”

Fan backlash is ferocious. #NecklaceGate trends on X, with memes juxtaposing the jewelry against car park scandal art. “Tess is the new villain of AFL,” one post declares. Advocacy groups like White Ribbon decry the emotional toll: “This highlights power imbalances in sports families,” says spokesperson Freedman.

Economically, Neale’s brand teeters: Nike, Gatorade deals under review, potential seven-figure losses. Crosley’s influencer gigs—beauty sponsorships with Sephora—evaporate amid boycotts.

Unresolved Mysteries and the Path Forward

As this saga barrels on, the necklace raises more questions: Was it a gift from Neale? A deliberate provocation? Crosley’s silence fuels speculation, while Jules’ resilience inspires. Neale, spotted shirtless on his apartment balcony with friends, looks haunted in paparazzi snaps—a shadow of the champion.

In AFL’s unforgiving arena, this twist reminds us: scandals don’t end—they evolve. From gym flirtations to jewelry jabs, the Neale affair is a cautionary tale of how proximity breeds peril. Will apologies come? Court battles? Only time will tell, but one certainty remains: Australia’s hooked, breath held for the next bombshell.