Neale delivers 17-second statement to huge throng of reporters
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Lachie Neale delivered a brief statement to a huge throng of reporters after touching down in Melbourne on Wednesday ahead of the AFL grand final.
“Obviously, as you guys will be aware, the club and myself have decided to appeal the tribunal’s decision,” the Brisbane Lions star said in a 17-second airport appearance in front of the cameras.
Lachie Neale speaks to media. Nine
“Obviously, very hopeful that that’s successful but, regardless of the result, I will be here to support the boys and the club this week, so it’s a big week for the club.
“Thank you.”
Neale then walked away and did not take questions from journalists.
Brisbane star Neale has been suspended for one game after striking Hawthorn’s Jack Ginnivan in the preliminary final.
The appeal hearing is set to start at 4pm AEST on Thursday.
Dayne Zorko spoke immediately after his long-time teammate.
“It’s like an interrogation here, Jesus! Good on you’s!” Zorko joked with the media.
“Obviously, it’s a lot, but yeah, he seems to be fine. I sat next to him on the plane, and he’s just taking it in his stride. He just gave his statement then, so yeah, it’s over to that. We just solider on and do what we do…
“You work so hard to get to this position, right? He’s disappointed, but we’ll appeal it and go from there.”
Zorko was asked whether Neale’s actions warranted a ban.
“You don’t want my opinion mate,” he replied.
Lachie Neale at the airport. Nine
“I won’t give you my honest opinion on it all. He has an impeccable record, you would like to think that would hold a fair bit of weight. Maybe it doesn’t.
“We can’t get carried away about it just being a Lachie Neale team. We’re the Brisbane Lions, we’ve got a lot of players on our list.”
Even after Neale’s suspension, the bookmakers have listed the Lions as favourites to beat the Fremantle Dockers and complete a premiership three-peat at the MCG on Saturday.
“We played a few finals last year without him as well. We’ll let that run its course. We’re not going to get distracted by that,” Zorko said.
“It’s not our business to get distracted by it. We’d love him to be out there and hope he’s out there.
“But, if he’s not, our next man up mentality is going to come into play.”
