The Former WAG’s Emotional Interview and Public Appearance with a Mystery Man Ignite a Firestorm of Speculation and Support

In her first candid interview since the high-profile split from Brisbane Lions captain Lachie Neale, Jules Neale has broken her silence with a defiant declaration: “Not Lachie — there’s someone else.” The 32-year-old former influencer and mother of two delivered the bombshell on a Sydney podcast Thursday, revealing she’s moved on with a new “companion” in a move that appears to be a deliberate clapback at her ex-best friend Tess Crosley and Crosley’s estranged husband. The revelation has sent shockwaves through the AFL world and social media, with fans praising her strength while others accuse her of “revenge posting” just weeks after Neale was photographed with Crosley in controversial circumstances.

Neale and Lachie, married since 2018, announced their separation in late September 2025 after months of speculation fueled by Lachie’s close friendship with Tess Crosley, wife of former Lions player Cam Rayner. The couple shares two children, daughter Indi (6) and son Leo (3). In the podcast, Jules spoke emotionally about the breakdown: “I gave everything to that marriage – my youth, my career, my heart. When I saw the photos… I knew I couldn’t stay silent anymore.” She refused to name the new man but confirmed they’ve been together “a few months” and that he’s “someone who makes me feel seen again.”

The “SH0CK move” came Tuesday night when Jules posted a series of photos from a Sydney restaurant: her laughing at a candlelit table, a mystery man’s arm around her waist, and a candid shot of their hands intertwined. The caption read simply: “New chapter. Same heart.” The man’s identity remains undisclosed, but eagle-eyed followers have already begun speculating – some pointing to a Sydney-based businessman, others to a former teammate’s brother. The post has 1.4 million likes and 320,000 comments, with fans divided between “Queen Jules deserves this!” and “This feels like a dig at Tess and Lachie.”

Tess Crosley, who was seen with Lachie at a Brisbane charity event in October, has not commented publicly. Lachie, the 2024 Brownlow Medal winner, has stayed silent since the split announcement, focusing on the Lions’ finals campaign. But sources close to Jules say the timing of her reveal – just days before the AFL Grand Final rematch – was intentional: “She’s done playing nice. This is her saying, ‘I’m free, I’m happy, and I’m moving on.’”

Jules has faced intense scrutiny since the breakup. She was accused by some of “using the kids as leverage” in custody talks, while others have rallied behind her as a woman reclaiming her power. Her Instagram, once filled with family photos and Lions support, now features solo shots, fitness updates, and cryptic quotes about “walking away from what no longer serves you.” In the podcast, she addressed the backlash: “I stayed quiet for years to protect my family. But when I saw my best friend with my husband… something in me snapped. I won’t be the villain in my own story anymore.”

The Neale-Crosley triangle has dominated headlines for months. Tess and Cam Rayner separated in August 2025 amid rumors of infidelity. Lachie and Jules’ split followed weeks later. Fans have flooded both women’s pages with support and vitriol, with #TeamJules and #TeamTess hashtags battling for dominance.

As Jules steps into her “new life,” one thing is clear: this isn’t just a breakup – it’s a rebirth. Whether the new man is a genuine partner or a pointed statement, Jules Neale has made it clear: she’s done being silent. And the football world – and her former best friend – are watching.