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2026-09-25 10:29 UTC → 2026-09-26 09:50 UTC ·
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Lachie Neale cleared to play in AFL Grand Final confirms departure from Brisbane Lions
The AFL Appeals Board has overturned Lachie Neale’s one-match suspension, clearing Following the Brisbane Lions midfielder to play in the 2026 AFL Lions’ seven-point Grand Final against victory over the Fremantle Dockers. In a reversal of Dockers, Lachie Neale has confirmed he will depart the initial Tribunal ruling—which had described Neale’s contact 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 Hawthorn’s Jack Ginnivan the organization, describing the period as “the best eight years of my life.” While widespread reports suggest a “forceful blow delivered with move to Collingwood, Neale has not officially confirmed his next destination. His departure follows a swinging arm turbulent season that included a public breakdown of his marriage and an open hand”—the appeals board downgraded 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. The board cited Neale’s exemplary disciplinary record, noting he had never previously been suspended during his 320-game career. The Board further clarified that fine after determining the Tribunal had “erred in law” by weighing the intentional nature of the strike twice when assessing whether exceptional circumstances existed. Neale’s availability provides a law”—Neale faced significant boost to the Lions as they attempt to secure a third successive premiership title. This outcome follows the club’s formal appeal against the original decision, which had initially threatened to sideline the two-time Brownlow Medallist for the premiership decider. Amidst the preparations for the match, former Lions star Simon Black has been named to present the premiership cup to the winning team, though speculation continues regarding Neale’s future with the club following crowd hostility, including booing and derogatory chants, during the conclusion of Grand Final. Despite this, he recorded 20 disposals in the season. premiership-winning match.