Lions appeal Neale ban in desperate grand final move
Updated . First published at
Brisbane have confirmed they will appeal Lachie Neale’s one-game suspension from the MRO, to prevent the star from missing the grand final.
Neale landed a gut punch on Hawthorn’s Jack Ginnivan during the match and learned his fate on Sunday morning.
Lachie Neale and the Lions will appeal the ban. via Getty Images
The incident occurred during the first quarter, with Neale stepping in as Ginnivan wrestled teammate Eric Hipwood after a collision.
The MRO graded the punch medium impact, leading to the one-game ban. The Lions posted about the decision to appeal on social media and will likely attempt to argue the impact down to low.
If the verdict stands, Neale will miss the game and a chance to win a third-straight flag with the Lions.
Neale himself was crushed by a bump from Hawthorn captain Jai Newcombe in the opening seconds of the game. The hit made contact with his jaw and forced him from the field momentarily.
The AFL explained there would be “no further action” for the clash.
“At a centre ball-up Newcombe is jostling for position with Josh Dunkley on one side of the centre circle whilst Neale is jostling with Josh Ward on the opposite side,” the AFL explained.
“As the ball comes off the ruck contest, Dunkley pushes Newcombe whilst Ward simultaneously pushes Neale as they position themselves to contest the ball which results in Newcombe making contact with Neale.
“It was the view of the MRO that there were circumstances outside of Newcombe’s control and that his actions were not unreasonable in the circumstances and did not constitute a reportable offence.
“It was also the view of the MRO that the pushes from both Dunkley and Ward were not unreasonable in the circumstances and neither player committed a reportable offence.”
The dual Brownlow Medallist is expected to depart the Lions in the off-season and join Collingwood, meaning he may have already played his final game for the club.
Neale faced similar grand final selection drama last year, except it revolved around an injured calf. He ultimately played as the substitute in the win over Geelong.
