Tess Crosley was photographed looking visibly subdued outside her Brisbane residence on Saturday, as the fallout from AFL star Lachie Neale's marriage collapse continues to unfold.
A Solemn Appearance Amid Public Scrutiny
The Mormon missionary, married to Ben Crosley, cut a downbeat figure as she stepped onto the grass outside her property. Her appearance came just days after Brisbane Lions co-captain Lachie Neale publicly confirmed his separation from wife Jules and announced he was standing down from his leadership role.
Crosley opted for a casual outfit, wearing a fitted white tank top tucked into loose jeans, complemented by flat black slides. She accessorised with a small black crossbody bag and simple gold jewellery, including a bracelet and watch. Her dark hair was worn straight, tucked behind her ears, with sunglasses perched on her head.
Throughout the sighting, she appeared preoccupied. At one point, she was seen gazing into the distance with a tense expression, her arms folded. In another moment, she fiddled with her hands while walking slowly across the lawn. Notably, she was not wearing her wedding ring.
The Escalating Public Scandal
The quiet outing stands in stark contrast to the very public scandal that has enveloped Crosley, Neale, and his now-estranged wife. The situation escalated publicly on December 22, when Jules Neale demanded in a since-deleted Instagram comment that Crosley remove photos of the Brisbane Lions' premiership celebrations, accusing her of "embarrassing herself."
Jules then indicated her marriage was over, stating she had been "betrayed in the most unimaginable way." It is crucial to note there is no suggestion Tess Crosley has acted improperly.
Rumours of trouble in Neale's marriage had circulated for weeks. The issue reached a head during a tense press conference on Friday, where the 32-year-old star midfielder was asked directly if he had cheated on his wife.
"I cannot address those rumours," Neale responded. He expressed being "extremely disappointed" in himself and apologised for actions that had "hurt those closest to me." Neale confirmed he was stepping down as co-captain to focus on rebuilding trust with Jules and prioritising their children.
Police Visit and Ongoing Developments
Prior to these developments, on New Year's Eve, police visited the Crosley home for a welfare check. Tess was pictured watching anxiously from a window as her shirtless husband, Ben, spoke to officers and took possession of several bags.
A Queensland Police spokesman clarified that officers "took possession of a number of items" but confirmed "no criminal matter is being investigated." There is no suggestion of any improper conduct by Tess or Ben Crosley related to the police visit.
As Neale attempts to navigate the personal and professional consequences of his actions, all parties involved are facing intense public scrutiny while seeking privacy to manage their new circumstances.
