Updated: December 25, 2025
Lachie Neale, the Brisbane Lions co-captain and dual Brownlow Medalist, has been in the headlines not just for his on-field heroics but for the dramatic unraveling of his personal life. Fans searching for “Lachie Neale wife best friend name” are diving into one of the most talked-about AFL scandals of 2025. Lachie Neale’s wife, Jules Neale, has publicly spoken about a deep betrayal, and at the center of it is her former best friend, Tess Crosley.
This story has gripped the AFL community, blending heartbreak, friendship fallout, and high-profile drama. Let’s break it down thoughtfully.
Table of Contents
Who Is Lachie Neale’s Wife?
Jules Neale (often affectionately called Julie) is the supportive partner who’s been by Lachie Neale’s side through thick and thin. The Perth-born hairstylist married Lachie in a beautiful riverside ceremony in 2018. She even sold her successful salon to move with him to Brisbane when he was traded from Fremantle to the Lions in 2019.
Jules has always been admired for her grace and strength, balancing motherhood with life in the spotlight. The couple shares two adorable children:
- Daughter Piper, aged 4
- Son Freddie, who turned 1 recently
Jules is known for her stylish Instagram presence, where she once shared glimpses of their family life. She’s described their marriage as “solid” in the past, but recent events have changed everything.
The Former Best Friend: Tess Crosley
The name on everyone’s lips when it comes to “Lachie Neale wife best friend name” is Tess Crosley. Tess was once Jules’ closest confidante – the kind of friend who vacations together, celebrates premierships side-by-side, and even participates in fun TikTok trends as “four best friends” with their husbands.
Tess, a married mother and former Mormon missionary, was inseparable from the Neales. Photos from the 2025 AFL Grand Final show the couples celebrating Brisbane’s back-to-back premiership win, with Tess and Jules playfully biting Lachie’s medal together. They even shared a recent Gold Coast holiday in November 2025, looking like the picture-perfect friend group.
But that closeness has turned sour amid allegations of betrayal.
What Led to the Marriage Breakdown?
In mid-December 2025, rumors swirled when Jules suddenly unfollowed Lachie on Instagram, deleted nearly all photos of him, and posted about their son Freddie’s birthday without mentioning her husband. Reports suggested the couple was “working through issues,” but Jules quickly set the record straight.
On December 19, 2025, she posted a powerful statement: “I want to make it very clear that I am not ‘working through’ anything. I have been betrayed in the most unimaginable way. All I can do now is heal and do what’s best for my children.”
Soon after, Jules reportedly demanded Tess Crosley remove Grand Final photos featuring Lachie. The two women unfollowed each other, and a moving truck was spotted at the Neales’ Brisbane home. Jules has since returned to Western Australia with the kids for healing and family support.
While no one has officially confirmed an affair, speculation points to Lachie and Tess as the source of the “unimaginable betrayal.” As of Christmas 2025, Tess has shared festive photos shrugging off the drama, focusing on family time.
Key Details About the People Involved
Here’s a quick overview in table form for clarity:
| Person | Role/Relation | Key Facts |
|---|---|---|
| Lachie Neale | Brisbane Lions Co-Captain | Dual Brownlow winner (2020, 2023), 2x Premiership player (2024, 2025) |
| Jules Neale | Wife of Lachie Neale | Perth hairstylist, mother of Piper and Freddie, married since 2018 |
| Tess Crosley | Former best friend of Jules Neale | Married to Ben Crosley, close couple friends until recent fallout |
| Piper & Freddie | Children of Lachie and Jules | Piper (4 years old), Freddie (1 year old as of December 2025) |
Some Notable Moments from Their Friendship
- Joint TikTok videos captioned “Four best friends”
- Grand Final celebrations at the MCG in September 2025
- Family holidays, including a Gold Coast trip in November 2025
- Shared premiership joy, with photos of medal-biting and on-field hugs
Conclusion: A Sad Chapter for a Beloved AFL Family
The saga surrounding Lachie Neale’s wife and her former best friend Tess Crosley reminds us that even in the glamorous world of AFL, personal lives can be fragile. Jules’ strength in prioritizing her children amid heartbreak has earned widespread admiration. As the dust settles this Christmas 2025, we wish healing for everyone involved – especially young Piper and Freddie.
Friendships and marriages in the public eye face unique pressures, but betrayal cuts deep no matter what. This story of “Lachie Neale wife best friend name” will likely linger in AFL conversations for some time.