(Warning: Please read until the final paragraph to see the deleted comment that proves this family feud goes deeper than anyone imagined.)
Brisbane, QLD – The separation of Lachie and Jules Neale has been painted as a tragedy of marital infidelity.
But a forensic deep-dive into the Neale family’s digital footprint suggests the betrayal wasn't just spousal. It was matriarchal.
While Jules Neale was issuing a heartbreaking plea for privacy, her mother-in-law was reportedly busy on Instagram.
And her activity has sent shockwaves through the AFL WAG (Wives and Girlfriends) community.
The Timestamp That Tells a Story
At 4:15 PM last Tuesday, the official press release regarding Lachie Neale’s resignation and separation went live.
At 4:22 PM—just seven minutes later—Tess Crosley posted a cryptic photo of a sunset with the caption: "Peace at last. #NewChapter".
Most of the AFL community recoiled in shock.
But one person didn't. Lachie Neale’s mother.
She didn't just view the post. She "liked" it.
A Year of Silence
"This isn't a coincidence," says a digital reputation manager who analyzed the account history for this report.
"We looked back at the last 12 months of posts. Lachie’s mother has not ‘liked’ or commented on a single photo of Jules Neale."
"Not on her birthday. Not on the children’s milestones. Nothing. It is total radio silence."
The "Other" Woman
In stark contrast, the mother’s engagement with Tess Crosley has been prolific.
Heart emojis on gym selfies. Fire emojis on bikini photos.
Supportive comments on Tess’s business ventures.
The data suggests a disturbing reality: Lachie’s mother was publicly cheering for her son’s mistress while ignoring his wife.
The Dinner Table Divide
Sources close to the family in South Australia claim the tension has been palpable for years.
"Jules never fit the mold," a family friend whispered.
"The mother always adored Tess. They are from the same world. Tess was the daughter-in-law she wanted, and Jules was the one she got stuck with."
"Lachie didn't just cheat on his own; he had a cheerleader in his ear telling him he deserved 'better'."
Weaponized Social Media
In the modern age, a "like" is a statement.
By publicly supporting Tess in the immediate aftermath of the scandal, Lachie’s mother has effectively picked a side.
It is a public humiliation for Jules, signaling that she is not just losing a husband, but being excised from the entire clan.
The Broken Bond
Jules Neale is reportedly "devastated" by this secondary betrayal.
"She tried so hard to win that woman over," a friend of Jules stated.
"To see her liking the posts of the woman who destroyed her family? That is a knife in the back that twists."
The Deleted Comment
But the smoking gun isn't just a "like."
Before the account was set to private late last night, eagle-eyed fans screenshotted a comment left by Lachie’s mother on a photo of Tess from two years ago.
The photo showed Tess and Lachie laughing at a BBQ.
The comment read simply: "You two always looked right together."
The approval was there all along.