Lachie Neale's suspension overturned, cleared to play grand final
The appeals board downgraded Neale's one-game suspension to a $10,000 fine, freeing him to play Saturday.
Lachie Neale was suspended for striking Hawthorn's Jack Ginnivan in last week's preliminary final. The tribunal upheld the ban on Tuesday, but Brisbane appealed on Thursday.
After a nearly 2.5-hour hearing, the board found Neale's exemplary record and 320 prior games without suspension warranted leniency. The fine replaced the ban.
Neale will now chase a third consecutive premiership when Brisbane plays Fremantle at the MCG on Saturday.
- $10,000
- Fine amount
- 320
- Games without suspension
- Fremantle at MCG
- Grand final opponent
- 2.5 hours
- Appeal hearing duration
Why it mattersNeale is Brisbane's midfield engine. His absence would reshape the Lions' gameplan in their biggest match.
AustraliaAustralians invested in Saturday's grand final now see the match with its strongest possible team lineups.
Corroborated by7news.com.au
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