Lachie Neale faces AFL grand final ban after tribunal appeal fails
Lachie Neale will sit out Saturday's grand final after the AFL tribunal upheld his one-match ban for striking.
The Brisbane Lions have appealed the tribunal's decision to uphold Lachie Neale's one-match suspension, but the midfielder faces missing Saturday's grand final against Fremantle. Neale was cited by the match review officer for striking Hawthorn's Jack Ginnivan.
At the tribunal hearing, Neale claimed he only bumped Ginnivan, who he said dived, but the panel found it was a forceful blow delivered with a swinging arm and open hand. The tribunal noted it was not Neale's first occasion of striking an opponent.
Nine other players have been banned for the same offence this season. The Lions can argue an error of law, but grounds for appeal are limited.
Neale has never been suspended in his 320-game career.
- Lachie Neale, Brisbane Lions
- Player
- 320 without suspension
- Career games
- Jack Ginnivan, Hawthorn
- Opponent
- Grand final Saturday at MCG
- Match
Why it mattersLachie Neale's absence removes Brisbane's best midfielder from the biggest match of the year, significantly weakening their premiership hopes.
AustraliaThe suspension affects one of the AFL's brightest stars and clouds Brisbane's bid for a third straight premiership.
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