Watch all the build-up to the 2026 AFL Grand Final, with expert analysis and full Grand Final day coverage plus exclusive commentary on the replay, on Fox Footy via Kayo | New to Kayo? Join now and get your first month for just $1.<\/a><\/p>\n WHAT’S GAMBLING REALLY COSTING YOU? Set a deposit limit. For Free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au.<\/p>\n Brisbane has four possible grounds at the hearing, but will almost certainly hone in on Neale\u2019s one-week sanction being \u201cmanifestly excessive\u201d due to the dual Brownlow Medallist\u2019s previously flawless record with the MRO and tribunal across 320 AFL games.<\/p>\n It comes as SEN journalist Sam Edmund reported fresh vision of Neale\u2019s clash with Ginnivan had emerged \u2013 footage he said \u201churts, rather than helps, Neale\u2019s chances\u201d.<\/p>\n The only footage of Neale\u2019s incident with Ginnivan shown during Tuesday\u2019s tribunal hearing came via a wide behind-the-goal camera, resulting in grainy vision.<\/p>\n But the new camera angle \u2013 which cannot be shown at Thursday\u2019s hearing because it is considered new evidence \u2013 still paints a \u201cclearer picture of Neale\u2019s swinging arm\u201d, according to Edmund.<\/p>\n Lyon & Whateley divided on Neale | 10:57<\/p>\n As a result, the Lions are unlikely to challenge the \u2018intentional conduct\u2019 aspect of the charge.<\/p>\n Instead, the Lions are expected to again cite the \u201cexceptional and compelling circumstances\u201d clause in the AFL\u2019s laws, which may arise where a player has an exemplary record.<\/p>\n Collingwood used the clause in March to have club champion Scott Pendlebury\u2019s one-week ban for rough conduct against Adelaide\u2019s Josh Worrell downgraded to a $3000 fine. Pendlebury had never previously been suspended in his 21-year AFL career.<\/p>\n But the tribunal, when delivering its reasons for the Neale decision on Tuesday night, suggested the player\u2019s outstanding record did \u201cnot render a one-match suspension for that act inappropriate or unreasonable\u201d.<\/p>\n CODE Sports reporter Lauren Wood stressed on Fox Footy\u2019s Midweek Tackle on Wednesday night that Thursday\u2019s hearing would \u201cnot (be) a hearing that will present new evidence\u201d, adding: \u201cIt will essentially address everything that was covered (on Tuesday) night over with a fine-tooth comb.\u201d<\/p>\n The hearing will also be under the leadership of interim Appeal Board chair \u2013 and former Hawk \u2013 Richard Loveridge, who in May took over from Will Houghton KC after the latter\u2019s comments during the Lance Collard case led to his dismissal.<\/p>\n Neale suspension UPHELD | 01:21<\/p>\n A veteran lawyer in private practice, Loveridge has also served on the AFL Tribunal and Appeal Board since 1999.<\/p>\n But CODE Sports reporter Glenn McFarlane also pointed out on Wednesday that Loveridge played in Hawthorn\u2019s 1983 and 1986 premiership victories, as well as the losing Grand Finals against Essendon in 1984 and 1985, before he \u201cendured heartache in 1987\u201d.<\/p>\n \u201cHe knows a little bit about Grand Finals,\u201d McFarlane told Midweek Tackle. \u201cHe knows about winning Grand Finals, he knows about losing Grand Finals. He also knows about missing Grand Finals, which I reckon is really interesting going into this case.<\/p>\n \u201cHe played in the preliminary final and was dropped (for the 1987 Grand Final) for Andy Collins \u2026 They didn\u2019t win that game, Hawthorn, but he had to sit back and watch a Grand Final. He played 23 games that year as well, so (he) wasn\u2019t in and out.<\/p>\n \u201cIt\u2019s very much a legal case, but there\u2019s an emotional side to this as well.<\/p>\n \u201cNo one is better judged in terms of that in Richard Loveridge \u2026 He\u2019s a very good operator, we\u2019d doubt he would do that (his past Grand Final experiences play on his mind). But it is just fascinating to think he\u2019s the man that\u2019s going to be front and centre in this decision.\u201d<\/p>\n Follow the Lachie Neale Appeal Board hearing from Thursday 4pm (AEST) in our live blog below!<\/p>\n![](\"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/au\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/09\/1790221093_984_poster-fallback.png\"\/)
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