Overview
- The AFL announced unchanged Grand Final teams on Thursday after the AFL Appeal Board overturned Lachie Neale's one‑match suspension and imposed a $10,000 fine instead.
- Fremantle resisted recalling injured key defender Brennan Cox and named Oscar McDonald in the selected backline while listing Cox as an emergency.
- The Appeal Board applied the 'exceptional and compelling circumstances' provision, citing Neale's long, suspension‑free record as the reason the ban was downgraded.
- Forecasters expect rain on Grand Final day, a factor clubs say could influence tactics and leave room for late changes under emergency‑player rules.
- The match pits Fremantle chasing its first premiership against Brisbane aiming for a third straight flag, with thousands of fans attending sold‑out open training and the grand final parade.