Lachie Neale facing grand final heartbreak with possible suspension for gut punch on Jack Ginnivan
Brisbane are preparing to be without their star midfielder, who may have played his last game for the Lions.
Brisbane champion Lachie Neale is this afternoon being assessed for a potential strike on Jack Ginnivan that could cost him the grand final.
7NEWS understands the AFL’s match review officer (MRO) Michael Christian and league officials are working through whether the off-the-ball hit carries enough force to warrant a suspension.
The incident occurred with just under five minutes remaining in the first quarter after a physical altercation between Eric Hipwood and Ginnivan.
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By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.The two traded blows after Hipwood laid a big tackle on Ginnivan, who was running off moments later when Neale ran up from behind to strike him in the gut.
Neale is widely expected to be leaving Brisbane for Collingwood as a free agent at the end of the season, meaning if he is to be suspended, he will have likely played his last game for the Lions.
The 33-year-old was cleaned up by Hawthorn midfielder Jai Newcombe in the opening seconds of the game but got back up and finished the match with 26 disposals.
Neale was in a race against time to be fit for last year’s grand final, having torn his calf in the Lions’ qualifying-final loss to Geelong.
Having initially been ruled out for the rest of the season, the two-time Brownlow medallist made a stunning recovery to return for the grand final victory over Geelong.
After starting as Brisbane’s sub and coming on at half time, Neale changed the game with a brilliant second half and memorable goal in the last quarter.
More to come ...
Originally published on 7NEWS Sport
