Fresh details have surfaced in the dramatic breakdown of former AFL star Lachie Neale's marriage, revealing the couple lived just minutes away from the woman reportedly involved.
Proximity Highlights Broken Friendship
Lachie and Jules Neale's former family home in Brisbane's affluent Seven Hills was a mere three-minute drive from the residence of Tess and Ben Crosley in Camp Hill. The Neales purchased their property in 2022 for $2.43 million. The geographical closeness once symbolised a tight friendship between the two couples, who were frequently pictured together on social media.
That friendship has now spectacularly collapsed. Last week, police conducted a "welfare check" at the Crosley home on Arrol Street. It is believed Jules has since moved back to her home state of Western Australia with the couple's two young children.
A Public Unravelling
The saga became public in December when rumours swirled about marital troubles. Jules Neale shut down speculation with a fierce Instagram statement in which she declared she was not "working through" anything but had been "betrayed in the most unimaginable way."
Lachie Neale, the former Brisbane Lions co-captain, subsequently stepped down from his leadership role and confirmed the separation at a press conference on January 2, 2026. "I have let my family down and I apologise for my actions that have let down those that are closest to me," he stated outside the Lions' headquarters.
Social Media Sparks and Fallout
The tension spilled onto social media. Following the Lions' 2025 Grand Final win, Tess Crosley, a former Mormon missionary, had posted photos featuring both couples. Jules Neale allegedly left a fiery comment demanding the images be taken down, writing "Take these (photos) down. . ." The photos and the comment were later deleted before news of the separation broke.
Lions coach Chris Fagan has said the club gives Lachie, who becomes an unrestricted free agent at the end of 2026, its "blessing" to return to Perth to be near his children. Neale has not yet confirmed where he intends to play in 2027.
The Crosleys have not publicly commented on the situation. It is important to note that the reporting of a police welfare check does not imply any wrongdoing by Tess or Ben Crosley.
