Lachie Neale to miss AFL Grand Final after tribunal upholds suspension

Brisbane Lions midfielder Lachie Neale will miss the AFL Grand Final against the Fremantle Dockers after the AFL Tribunal upheld a one-match suspension. The ban stems from an incident during the preliminary final where Neale struck Hawthorn’s Jack Ginnivan.

During the hearing, the tribunal rejected Neale’s arguments that the contact was merely a bump or low impact. Tribunal chair Jeff Gleeson KC noted that Neale’s evidence was “inconsistent” with video footage, which showed a “forceful blow delivered with a swinging arm and an open hand.” The club also attempted to argue for leniency based on Neale’s exemplary 320-game disciplinary record, but the tribunal ruled that his history did not render the one-match suspension inappropriate.

The decision leaves Brisbane preparing for the season decider without their dual Brownlow medallist. The Lions are now weighing further appeal options as they aim for a third consecutive premiership. Meanwhile, the Grand Final will see Fremantle seeking their first AFL flag against the defending champions.