Neale appeal: Lions confirm challenge of Grand Final ban

The Brisbane Lions will appeal Lachie Neale’s suspension.

SEN's Tom Morris has reported that the club will appeal the decision to uphold the one-week ban.

The Lions have confirmed the appeal.

"The Brisbane Lions confirm the club will appeal the Tribunal’s decision regarding Lachie Neale," read a club statement.

"The club will make no further comment while the matter remains ongoing."

The veteran midfielder was banned by the MRO for a gut punch on Hawthorn’s Jack Ginnivan in last weekend’s remarkable Preliminary Final.

The Lions appealed that initial decision which was sent to the Tribunal on Tuesday evening.

After a mammoth hearing, the suspension was upheld meaning Neale would miss the 2026 Grand Final against Fremantle.

But the back-to-back premiers have now taken the case to the Appeals Board as they strive to have Neale cleared to play against his former club in the season decider.

Neale will address the media at Melbourne airport when the Lions arrive at approximately 3:20pm AEST on Wednesday.

The hearing will take place on Thursday at 4pm AEST.