{
  "id": 9010913,
  "title": "Lions 'praying' Neale gets off but confident they will cope if ban stands",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/21/lions-praying-neale-gets-off-but-confident-they-will-cope-if-ban",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-09-21T21:31:26.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "ABC News",
    "slug": "abc-news",
    "url": "https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-09-22/afl-lachie-neale-brisbane-of-lions-facing-ban-from-grand-final/107179634"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Lachie Neale, a two-time Brownlow medallist and premiership captain for Brisbane Lions, will appear before the AFL tribunal on Tuesday evening. The 33-year-old is hoping to have a striking charge against Hawthorn's Jack Ginnivan overturned or downgraded to avoid a one-match ban for Saturday's grand final against Fremantle. Neale and his teammates are confident they can cope with his potential absence, as the Lions are known for their ability to handle adversity. The tribunal will consider a fresh clause that allowed Collingwood's Scott Pendlebury to avoid a suspension in March, citing compelling and exceptional circumstances. If the suspension is upheld, Neale will miss the grand final at the MCG.",
  "summary": "Lachie Neale will face the AFL tribunal in the hope of playing in Saturday's grand final, as his teammates prepare for the worst-case scenario.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "ABC News AU",
        "title": "Lions 'praying' Neale gets off but confident they will cope if ban stands",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/21/lions-praying-neale-gets-off-but-confident-they-will-cope-if-ban-9014959",
        "published": "2026-09-21T21:31:26.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}