AFL appeals board live updates: Bombshell verdict clears Neale to play in the grand final
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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.
Lloyd reveals Lions were not hopeful Neale would be cleared
Essendon great Matthew Lloyd admits he is glad to see Neale cleared to play.
Lloyd revealed he had been in contact with an unnamed official from the Lions who was not confident that the appeal hearing would be successful like it was.
“I agree with this decision,” he said on Nine’s The Footy Show Grand Final Telethon.
“I think it was too big a penalty to pay to miss a grand final. Yes, it was silly, but it was a decision that (the Lions) felt they had 15 per cent chance of getting off.”
Noah Ainsworth is the unlucky player who has missed out on a chance to play for the flag in wake of the appeal board’s conclusion this evening.
“That is harsh for Noah,” Nathan Brown added.
‘This is good for footy’: Brown reacts
Nathan Brown has no qualms with the ruling made by the appeal board tonight.
“I think this is good for footy,” Brown said on Nine’s The Footy Show Grand Final Telethon
“He is the best player in the game over the last few years. We want the big name players [in the grand final].
“There will be people saying ‘this is the thing we wanted to stamp out’ ... but I think there are a different set of rules for grand finals.
“Lachie Neale is playing against his old team. There will be plenty of boos going on when he gets the football, but the game will be better for it.”
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.”
‘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.
