Scandal Rocks AFL: Ben Crosley Breaks Silence Amid Lachie Neale’s Marriage Meltdown

By Grok News Reporter Brisbane, January 20, 2026 – In a dramatic twist to one of the AFL’s most explosive off-field sagas, Ben Crosley, husband of Tess Crosley, has finally spoken out about the alleged affair that shattered not one, but two marriages. The Brisbane Lions star Lachie Neale’s separation from his wife Jules has been the talk of the town since December, with Tess – Jules’ former best friend – at the center of the storm. Ben’s blunt six-word revelation, “She does not live here anymore,” delivered to reporters at his Camp Hill home, has sent shockwaves through the tight-knit AFL community and beyond.

The scandal erupted last month when Jules Neale, 35, took to social media to cryptically announce the end of her 10-year marriage to Lachie, citing an “unimaginable betrayal.” Insiders quickly pointed fingers at Tess Crosley, a 30-year-old mother and close confidante of Jules, who allegedly engaged in a months-long affair with the dual Brownlow Medal winner. Sources close to the situation revealed to the Herald Sun that the infidelity had been brewing for at least three months – some reports stretch it to six – before it was exposed in the most humiliating fashion.

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According to multiple accounts, another Brisbane Lions WAG stumbled upon Lachie and Tess in a “compromising position” inside a car, a brazen act that they reportedly didn’t bother to hide. The witness, after consulting with a fellow partner’s spouse, decided to inform Jules, leading to the swift unraveling of the Neales’ union. Lachie, 32, who helped lead the Lions to back-to-back premierships, confirmed the split during a January 2 press conference at Brighton Homes Arena. There, he relinquished his co-captaincy role, stating, “I have let my family down and I apologize for my actions that have let down those that are closest to me.” When pressed on infidelity rumors, he stonewalled: “No, I can’t address those rumors.”

The fallout has been swift and severe. The Neales’ luxurious family home was promptly listed for sale, potentially costing Lachie a staggering $1.5 million in asset division, per financial experts analyzing the high-profile breakup. Lachie has since relocated to a Brisbane apartment, while Jules, a hairdresser and mother to their two young children – including a baby boy born just last Christmas – has been navigating single parenthood amid swirling speculation about her next moves, including unconfirmed reality TV rumors.

But the drama doesn’t end with the Neales. Tess Crosley, who shares a young son with Ben, has seen her world implode as well. The Crosleys, hailing from a devout Mormon family, have faced intense scrutiny, with Tess’s celebrity sister adding another layer of public intrigue. Ben, a missionary by background, had remained silent until Sunday when approached by Daily Mail reporters. His terse response confirmed what many suspected: the couple’s separation. Police were even spotted at the property recently, though no wrongdoing is alleged, heightening the sense of chaos.

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Yet, in a bizarre turn just days later, Tess was photographed returning to the Camp Hill home on Tuesday, raising eyebrows and questions about the true state of their marriage. Was Ben’s statement a heat-of-the-moment outburst, or is this a fleeting reconciliation attempt? Sources told News.com.au that Tess flew to Adelaide for a low-key 30th birthday amid the turmoil, sans wedding ring, and her Christmas snaps notably excluded Ben, fueling split rumors. Meanwhile, Ben posted topless photos from a Bali getaway on Instagram, captioning them “starting 2026 right,” suggesting he’s moving on – or at least trying to project strength.

The Crosley family’s Mormon roots have amplified the scandal’s impact. An insider told Sky News Australia it’s “not easy for them,” given the faith’s emphasis on family and fidelity. Tess, once part of the Neales’ inner circle, has scrubbed her social media of any ties to Jules, who publicly branded the affair a “betrayal” that ended their friendship. Jules’ post-December updates show her focusing on her kids and career, but the emotional toll is evident.

This saga has rippled through the AFL world, with fans divided. Some sympathize with Jules, praising her resilience, while others question the players’ club culture. Brisbane Lions officials have stayed mum, but the timing – just before preseason – could affect team morale. Lachie, ever the professional, has vowed to focus on football, but whispers of further revelations linger.

As the dust settles, one thing is clear: this isn’t just a sports story; it’s a tale of trust shattered, families fractured, and lives forever changed. With Tess back at the marital home and Ben’s words echoing, the next chapter could be even more explosive. Will reconciliations happen, or is this the end? Only time will tell in this real-life soap opera gripping Australia.

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