In a resurfaced social media post that has reignited the explosive fallout from Lachie Neale’s marriage breakdown, Tess Crosley once jokingly admitted to a “sinister plot” while sharing a photo of herself with the Brisbane Lions co-captain and his wife Jules — a comment now viewed through a dramatically different lens amid allegations of betrayal.

The Instagram story, originally posted in 2023 during a group holiday, showed the three laughing together, with Crosley captioning it: “Sinister plot in progress 😈 #Besties.” Fans at the time saw it as harmless banter among close friends, but following Jules Neale’s December 2025 statement alleging “unimaginable betrayal” and the couple’s separation, the post has been dissected as potential foreshadowing.

Adding fuel to the fire is Lachie Neale’s alleged response — a simple emoji string “🔥❤️” — which some online sleuths claim was a “secret code” between him and Crosley. “They’re both liars..!” one viral comment declared, echoing widespread sentiment that the once-innocent interactions hid deeper meaning.

Crosley, a married mother-of-one and former friend of the Neales, has faced intense scrutiny since Jules’ post pointed to her as the likely source of the affair rumours. Old photos — holidays, grand final celebrations, playful medal-biting shots — have been pored over, with the “sinister plot” caption now seen as chillingly prescient.

Sources say Jules discovered the exchanges during the couple’s troubles, leading to the public unraveling. Lachie has admitted an “unfixable mistake” but denied specifics, while Crosley has posted defiant holiday content without her husband Ben or wedding ring.

The “secret code” theory — the fire and heart emojis as a private signal — has divided fans. Some dismiss it as overreach, others see it as confirmation of long-rumoured tension. “They’re both liars..!” has trended as public opinion turns harsher.

For Jules, raising Piper and Freddie alone, the exposure feels like salt in the wound. Friends say she’s “devastated” by the betrayal of trust from someone once considered family.

As the AFL off-season drama dominates headlines, the resurfaced post serves as a reminder: what once seemed playful can, in hindsight, appear sinister. Whether joke or code, the “sinister plot” caption — and Lachie’s response — now stands as a pivotal piece in a puzzle of heartbreak that Australia can’t stop piecing together.

The truth may be exposed, but for the families involved, the pain remains raw.