Lachie Neale's Appeal Rejected: One-Game Ban Upheld

Brisbane Lions star Lachie Neale will miss Saturday's grand final against Fremantle after his attempt to overturn a one-game ban for striking Hawthorn's Jack Ginnivan was rejected by the AFL tribunal.

The tribunal found that Neale's "gut-punch" on Ginnivan was an intentional strike, and despite considering the consequences for Neale, they decided not to overturn the suspension.

Tribunal Hearing Details

During the hearing, Tribunal chair Jeff Gleeson KC pointed out to Neale's counsel that there had never been a finding of exceptional and compelling circumstances in a case of an intentional strike.

"We have no problem saying that this was an intentional strike and that it was medium impact," Gleeson said. "There is no single frame that shows him contacting Ginnivan."

"But Ginnivan doubles over not consistent with being bodychecked," he added. "We place little emphasis on Neale's evidence of Ginnivan's words (that it was a bump or body-check)."

The tribunal also noted that the incident took place off the play and that it was a "forceful blow" to the guts.

Reaction to the Decision

Neale's suspension means he will not have the chance to go for a third-straight premiership with the Lions.

The decision was met with mixed reactions from fans, with some expressing disappointment and others feeling that the suspension was fair.

Some fans drew comparisons with a similar incident involving Scott Pendlebury, who received a careless conduct charge for a bump.

The basic difference between Neale's case and Pendlebury's is that Pendlebury's case was labelled careless conduct, rather than intentional.