Lachie Neale allowed to play AFL grand final despite suspension, hints at Collingwood move
Quick Look
Lachie Neale played in the AFL grand final after winning an appeal against a one-game suspension for striking Jack Ginnivan off the ball, then exchanged playful social media messages with Ginnivan referencing the incident, and indicated he will likely join Collingwood as a free agent next season after eight years with the Brisbane Lions.
AI-generated summary
Why It Matters
Lachie Neale was initially suspended for one game after striking Jack Ginnivan off the ball in the preliminary final, but won an appeal on the grounds of his clean disciplinary record over 321 games, allowing him to play in the AFL grand final.
In short:
Lachie Neale was allowed to play in the AFL grand final despite being handed a one-game suspension for hitting Jack Ginnivan.
Ginnivan posted a comment on a picture of Neale on Instagram, to which Neale responded, "Hope your tummy OK my guy."
What's next?
Neale is expected to move to Collingwood next year.
Brisbane Lions star Lachie Neale has sent a tongue-in-cheek message to Hawks gun Jack Ginnivan on social media, after Neale was controversially allowed to play in the grand final despite hitting Ginnivan off the ball in the preliminary final.
Neale was initially handed a one-game suspension for the gut punch on Ginnivan, in line with nine other players who were cited for similar incidents throughout the year.
But during an appeals hearing on Thursday evening, it was decided Neale could play in the grand final under "compelling and exceptional circumstances", in that the Lions star had a clean suspension record from his 321 games.
Neale went on to play an important role in Brisbane's stunning come-from-behind victory over Fremantle in the grand final.
The dual Brownlow Medallist posted a photo of himself with Brisbane's three premiership cups on Instagram after the match, which Ginnivan replied to with a cherry emoji, signalling the cherry on top of a brilliant career at the Lions.
Neale then replied, "Hope your tummy OK my guy," to Ginnivan in reference to the gut punch.
Ginnivan was uninjured in the incident, however the AFL had been cracking down on strikes to the body off the ball throughout the 2026 season.
The grand final, widely considered one of the most entertaining in history, is likely to be Neale's final game with the Lions.
Having started his career at the Dockers, Neale has spent eight seasons in Brisbane, but looks likely to move to Collingwood next season as a free agent.
"It doesn't feel real at the moment, but I'm sure it will sink in. I've absolutely loved my time at this footy club, they're an exceptional organisation from top to bottom and I can't thank them enough," Neale said after the game.
"It's been an incredible ride and the best eight years of my life."
"I'm going to miss them very much."
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What to Watch
AI outlook — possibilities, not facts
Lachie Neale will sign with Collingwood as a free agent for the 2027 AFL season
Likely · Within months
Open Questions
- What specific 'compelling and exceptional circumstances' were accepted in Neale's appeal?
- Will Neale's move to Collingwood be confirmed before the next AFL season?
- How will Neale's departure affect the Brisbane Lions' midfield structure?
