This is a stunning decision by the AFL’s appeals board, one that will divide opinion on the eve of the grand final.
As foolish as it was for Lachie Neale to do what he did and place himself at risk of a suspension, the penalty of missing a grand final appeared manifestly excessive for what he did.
This is where the AFL’s provisions for a player’s exemplary record needed to be exercised. If they do not apply to a dual Brownlow medallist who had not been suspended in 320 games in grand final week, then when should they be used?
What price to play in a grand final? There will never be a person as happy to be fined $10,000 as Lachie Neale.