The ban was handed down by the AFL’s match review officer on Sunday after Neale was judged to have struck Hawthorn forward Jack Ginnivan with intentional, medium‑force contact during the first quarter of Saturday’s preliminary final at the MCG.
The incident occurred on the 50‑metre line at the city end, and the officer’s decision carries an automatic one‑match suspension, meaning Neale would miss the championship decider unless the tribunal reduces the charge.
Brisbane confirmed immediately that it will challenge the finding, arguing that Ginnivan appeared to continue playing without obvious injury – a point that could support a downgrade to a low‑impact strike, which carries no suspension.
Neale’s appeal comes against a backdrop of nine similar suspensions this season, and the two players who previously contested such rulings were unsuccessful, underscoring the difficulty of overturning the decision.
The 33‑year‑old midfielder, a dual Brownlow Medalist, was a late‑season injury concern but played a pivotal substitute role in last year’s grand final, helping Brisbane secure its second straight premiership.
If the appeal fails, Saturday’s grand final could be Neale’s final appearance in a Brisbane jersey, as he is expected to join Collingwood as a free agent in the off‑season.
Off‑field, Neale has been dealing with personal upheaval after his wife Jules relocated to Western Australia with their two children, adding further pressure during what is already a high‑stakes week.
He also endured a heavy knock early in the preliminary final, colliding with Hawthorn’s Jai Newcombe at a centre ball‑up, but recovered to finish the match.