AFL appeals board live: Bombshell verdict clears Neale to play in the grand final
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WATCH: Neale’s reaction after the hearing
‘See you on Saturday’: Dockers fan reacts
A number of fans were nearby when the media spoke to Neale after the hearing.
One Fremantle fan walked up to the Lions midfielder as he moved away from the media and shook his hand. He then said: “Congratulations, we will see you on Saturday.”
Neale breaks his silence
Lachie Neale has just spoken to reporters about the outcome of his hearing.
He will be required to pay a $10,000 fine.
“I am very happy with the appeal board’s decision,” he said.
“I am looking forward to playing the grand final now ... hopefully the attention is now off me and we can get ready to play in the grand final.”
Neale added: “I wasn’t very hopeful or doubtful. I’ve never been in this situation so I wasn’t sure how it would play out.
“The (last couple of days) have been nerve-wracking. In footy finals territory, I wasn’t sure what to do with myself.
“I wouldn’t say I have a point to prove on Saturday. I just want to play my part. It will be a difficult challenge against Freo, but hopefully, we can get it done.”
How did Neale get off?
The appeal board has concluded that the tribunal did not give sufficient weight to Lachie Neale’s “extraordinary” record of 320 games without a suspension, nor his two Brownlow medal wins.
The board determined that due to this, the evidence was enough to overturn the one-game ban that Neale had been hit with and clear him to play on Saturday.
There is no doubt that Brisbane fans will be elated with that ruling.
‘Thank you, Mr chairman’
I don’t know how many people saw that result coming given how quick and concise the AFL was with their argument, but here we are.
Lachie Neale has the chance to secure a three-peat with the Brisbane Lions.
“Thank you, Mr chairman,” Neale said as the decision was announced.
The midfielder has escaped his ban and will face the Dockers on Saturday.
Neale is free to play
It has taken two and a half hours and the decision is in. OH MY GOSH!
Lachie Neale has been cleared to play in the 2026 grand final.
Decision is being revealed
It hasn’t even been 20 minutes and we are back.
No time has been wasted. Here we go.
WATCH: The moment that put Neale in hot water
In case it has been some time since you sat down and watched exactly what happened between Lachie Neale and Jack Ginnivan on the field, you can watch how it unfolded below.
Neale still expected to be named by Lions
The squad lists for the 2026 grand final will be named in just over 15 minutes.
Lachie Neale is expected to be named by the Brisbane Lions. He will be removed if he is unsuccessful at the end of this hearing.
The submission are closed
Big round of applause to Woods for doing exactly as he said he would and wrapping up his argument in less than 45 minutes.
No further questions have been taken by the panel and we are now off to deliberate.
It took over two hours last time to reach a decision. Are we in for another marathon deliberation?
