“NO RING. NO HUSBAND.” — Fresh Whispers Erupt as Tess Crosley Steps Out Alone, Smiling on a Surprise Solo Getaway Amid the Lachie–Jules Neale Marriage Fallout

In the glittering but often unforgiving world of Australian Rules Football (AFL), personal scandals can overshadow on-field triumphs. The latest drama engulfing Brisbane Lions star Lachlan Neale has captivated fans and media alike, with the spotlight falling heavily on Tess Crosley, a former close friend of Neale’s wife, Jules. As of early January 2026, fresh photographs of Crosley enjoying a carefree solo outing on the Gold Coast — beaming widely and conspicuously without her wedding ring — have reignited speculation about her own marriage and her alleged role in the Neale family’s breakdown.

The saga began in December 2025 when Jules Neale, a Perth-born hairstylist and mother of two, posted a cryptic Instagram statement denying reports that she and Lachlan were “working through” marital issues. “I have been betrayed in the most unimaginable way,” she wrote, adding that her focus was now on healing and her children. Within hours, Jules deleted all photos of Lachlan from her account, unfollowed him, and reportedly began moving out of their Brisbane home, with moving trucks and boxes spotted at the property.

Lachlan Neale, a dual Brownlow Medalist and co-captain of the Brisbane Lions, who led the team to back-to-back premierships in 2024 and 2025, confirmed the separation in a press conference on January 2, 2026. He also announced he was stepping down from the co-captaincy, citing a “challenging personal period.” Visibly emotional, Neale apologized to his family and the club, stating, “I accept this as a consequence of my actions.”

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At the center of the storm is Tess Crosley, 29, a married mother-of-one and former Mormon missionary. Once inseparable from the Neales — the two couples vacationed together, celebrated premiership wins side-by-side, and even participated in viral TikTok trends — their friendship shattered spectacularly. Reports indicate Jules confronted Tess over social media posts from the Lions’ grand final celebrations, allegedly commenting, “Take these down, you idiot. You’re embarrassing yourself,” before deleting the message and unfollowing her former best friend.

In happier times, the foursome appeared united.

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Speculation has swirled that Crosley was involved in an affair with Lachlan Neale, allegations that remain unproven and denied implicitly through lack of direct confirmation. Sources close to the situation claim Jules informed Tess’s husband, Ben Crosley, of the suspected betrayal, leading to fallout in both marriages. Neither Tess nor Ben has commented publicly, but telling signs have emerged.

Over Christmas 2025, Tess posted a series of bikini-clad photos from a getaway in northern New South Wales, near Byron Bay. Notably absent were her husband Ben and her wedding ring. She turned off comments on the posts, which featured her posing confidently in revealing swimwear, including a mirror selfie in G-string bottoms and a cowboy hat.

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As the new year dawned, Tess was photographed on the Gold Coast, stepping out alone in a skimpy white playsuit, carrying a luxury Louis Vuitton handbag, and grinning broadly. Once again, no wedding ring was visible on her finger. These images, captured just days after Lachlan’s bombshell announcement, have fueled headlines like the viral whisper: “No ring. No husband.”

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Meanwhile, Ben Crosley has been pictured looking downcast in Brisbane, also without his wedding ring. Police even visited the Crosley home for a welfare check, though no details of wrongdoing emerged.

On the other side, Jules Neale has been spotted appearing teary-eyed while lugging moving boxes and selling belongings on Facebook Marketplace, signaling a fresh start back in Western Australia with the couple’s young children.

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Tess’s background adds another layer to the intrigue. A devout member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS), with in-laws who held senior temple leadership roles, her recent scantily-clad social media posts have reportedly raised eyebrows within her conservative community, where modesty is emphasized.

The scandal has rippled through AFL circles, with fans on platforms like Reddit dissecting old photos and speculating wildly. Some point to past group images where body language seems telling; others note Lachlan’s occasional comments on Tess’s posts. Yet, no concrete evidence of infidelity has been presented, and all parties have largely remained silent beyond Jules’s initial statement and Lachlan’s press conference remarks.

As 2026 begins, the fallout continues. Lachlan remains under contract with the Lions until the end of the season but faces questions about his long-term future, especially with Jules relocating to Perth. Tess, appearing unfazed in her solo outings, seems to be embracing the single life — or at least projecting it. One thing is clear: in the high-stakes world of AFL WAGs and stars, one missing ring can spark a thousand whispers, and this story shows no signs of fading quietly.