# Lachie Neale confirms departure from Brisbane Lions

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/lachie-neale-afl-suspension-dispute
> Updated: 2026-09-26T08:46:00.000Z. Sources: 18. Developments: 5.

Following the Brisbane Lions’ seven-point Grand Final victory over the Fremantle Dockers, Lachie Neale has confirmed he will depart the club. The 33-year-old dual Brownlow Medallist concluded his tenure by securing his third consecutive premiership.

Neale expressed gratitude for his eight years with the organization, describing the period as “the best eight years of my life.” While widespread reports suggest a move to Collingwood, Neale has not officially confirmed his next destination. 

His departure follows a turbulent season that included a public breakdown of his marriage and a disciplinary dispute regarding a striking charge. Although the AFL Appeals Board had previously overturned a one-match suspension—downgrading the sanction to a $10,000 fine after determining the Tribunal had “erred in law”—Neale faced significant crowd hostility, including booing and derogatory chants, during the Grand Final. Despite this, he recorded 20 disposals in the premiership-winning match.

## Claims

- Lachie Neale received a one-game suspension for a gut punch, which was upheld by the tribunal. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Greg Swann drove a rule change that replaced fines with one-match suspensions for minor gut punches. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The AFL applies heavier penalties for offences committed during Grand Final matches compared to regular season games. (corroborated by 3 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-26: Lachie Neale confirms departure from Brisbane Lions

Lachie Neale has confirmed his departure from the Brisbane Lions after securing a third consecutive premiership in a Grand Final win over Fremantle.

7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/lachie-neale-confirms-departure-from-brisbane-lions

### 2026-09-25: Lachie Neale cleared to play grand final after appeal

The AFL Appeal Board overturned Lachie Neale’s one-match ban for an on-field strike, replacing it with a $10,000 fine and clearing him to play in the grand final.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/lachie-neale-cleared-to-play-grand-final-after-appeal

### 2026-09-23: Lachie Neale cleared to play in AFL Grand Final

Brisbane Lions midfielder Lachie Neale has been cleared to play in the AFL Grand Final after an appeals board overturned his one-match suspension, replacing it with a $10,000 fine.

11 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/lachie-neale-faces-suspension-for-afl-grand-final-after-tribunal-ruling

### 2026-09-21: Dane Gagai cleared to play NRL preliminary final

NRL judiciary charges confirm Newcastle Knights centre Dane Gagai is cleared to play the preliminary final against the Panthers. Warriors' Ali Leiataua received a $1,000 fine for a high tackle.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/dane-gagai-cleared-to-play-nrl-preliminary-final

### 2026-09-20: Lachie Neale to miss AFL Grand Final after tribunal upholds suspension

Lachie Neale will miss the AFL Grand Final after the tribunal upheld a one-match suspension for striking Jack Ginnivan, denying Brisbane Lions' attempt to use his clean record as exceptional circumstances.

14 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/lachie-neale-faces-tribunal-hearing-ahead-of-afl-grand-final

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Cite as: Lachie Neale confirms departure from Brisbane Lions. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/lachie-neale-afl-suspension-dispute