{
  "id": 9229636,
  "title": "Neale's dad wants Lions to appeal grand final ban but says son is 'in two minds'",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/23/neales-dad-wants-lions-to-appeal-grand-final-ban-but-says-son-is-in",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-23T00:38:58.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "ABC News",
    "slug": "abc-news",
    "url": "https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-09-23/lachie-neale-father-brisbane-lions-grand-final-ban-appeal/107184384"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Lachie Neale's father, Robbie, has expressed his desire for the Brisbane Lions to appeal his son's one-game suspension from the AFL grand final, while acknowledging that his son may be torn between the decision. Robbie Neale stated that Lachie would not want to be a distraction for the team during the crucial week leading up to the high-stakes match. The club has the option to take the tribunal's decision to the appeals board in an attempt to overturn the ban and allow Neale to play in the grand final as the Lions pursue their third consecutive premiership. Robbie Neale, speaking to ABC Radio Adelaide, emphasized that Lachie would be in two minds about the appeal, hoping he would receive the right advice. The former captain, a two-time Brownlow medallist, has faced numerous headlines this year, including his departure from Brisbane and his reported move to Collingwood. Despite these challenges, Robbie expressed his belief in Lachie's ability to focus on his job and the possibility of creating history with the Lions this year.",
  "summary": "Lachie Neale's father says his son will be in two minds about whether to appeal his AFL grand final ban. Neale was given a one-match suspension by the AFL tribunal, which he failed to have overturned. The tribunal's decision was to uphold the ban, with tribunal chair Jeff Gleeson KC noting that there were \"matters trending both ways\" on the issue.\n\nThe Brisbane Lions have until midday to submit a notice of appeal, which would likely be heard the following day. Veteran Lion Dayne Zorko described the tribunal's decision as \"disappointing\".\n\nNeale's suspension means he will miss Saturday's grand final against Fremantle. According to ABC News, Neale's evidence was rejected as \"inconsistent\" by the tribunal, with Gleeson saying that Neale's account of the incident, in which he claimed he did not strike Hawthorn's Jack Ginnivan, did not match what was seen on video.",
  "key_points": [
    "Robbie Neale wants Brisbane Lions to appeal Lachie's one-game ban from AFL grand final.",
    "Lachie Neale may be torn between playing in the crucial match and appealing the suspension.",
    "Club can take tribunal's decision to appeals board to overturn ban."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "ABC News AU",
        "title": "Neale's dad wants Lions to appeal grand final ban but says son is 'in two minds'",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/23/neales-dad-wants-lions-to-appeal-grand-final-ban-but-says-son-is-in-9230526",
        "published": "2026-09-23T00:38:58.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "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."
}