Brisbane Lions midfielder Lachie Neale has been ruled out of Saturday's AFL grand final following the AFL tribunal's decision to uphold a one-game suspension. The charge was issued following an incident involving Hawthorn player Jack Ginnivan during the preliminary final match last week.

Neale, a two-time Brownlow medallist, attempted to challenge the suspension at the tribunal. His legal team argued that his previously clean disciplinary record—having never been suspended in his 320-game career—should be considered as an 'exceptional and compelling circumstance' to set the ban aside. This argument referenced a precedent involving Collingwood’s Scott Pendlebury earlier in the season. However, the tribunal rejected this defense, maintaining the one-game penalty.

While the ruling currently prevents Neale from participating in the grand final, the Brisbane Lions organization is reportedly considering a further appeal as a final effort to overturn the decision. The loss of Neale is a significant blow to the team's lineup ahead of the championship match.