Brisbane Lions midfielder Lachie Neale is challenging a striking charge at the AFL tribunal, with his place in the Grand Final on the line, according to Fox Sports. The hearing, held on Monday, centres on whether Neale will be cleared to play in the premiership decider.
Fox Sports reports that Neale denied striking and claimed during the hearing that Ginnivan dived, a detail also carried by nine.com.au's live coverage. According to Fox Sports, the Lions are expected to lean on a previous tribunal precedent as part of their defence, and the club is also said to be exploring an unlikely escape route to have the ban overturned.
The case has drawn wide attention, with ABC News and afl.com.au both running live coverage as the club awaited the verdict. Fox Sports noted that a "good bloke clause" argument — a reference to using character evidence — carries a problem for Neale's defence, suggesting the Lions' path to a successful challenge is not straightforward.
The outcome matters beyond the player himself. Neale's availability would shape Brisbane's midfield setup for the Grand Final, and the club has been described by afl.com.au as holding its breath while the decision is pending.
What to watch next: the tribunal's ruling on the charge, which will determine whether Neale is free to take the field in the Grand Final or must watch from the sidelines.
