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2h ago

Neale Cleared for Grand Final as Teams Name Unchanged Squads

Thursday’s AFL Appeal Board ruling preserves Brisbane’s midfield plan and leaves Fremantle to prioritise continuity over a late defensive recall.

Lachie Neale speaks to the media.
Thousands of die-hard Fremantle Dockers fans have descended on Cockburn ARC to watch their long-suffering team’s last WA open training session ahead of Saturday’s blockbuster AFL grand final.
Scenes from Freo training on Wednesday.
Discount fuel will be up for grabs for Dockers fans at the Norseman Truck Stop from now until 4 October.

Overview

  • The AFL Appeal Board overturned Lachie Neale’s one-match suspension on Thursday and imposed a $10,000 fine, restoring him to Brisbane’s 23 for the Grand Final.
  • Both clubs announced unchanged 23-player squads on Thursday evening with Brennan Cox omitted from Fremantle’s side and listed as an emergency while Oscar McDonald keeps his place.
  • Teams flew into Melbourne on Thursday ahead of the Grand Final at the MCG on Saturday, September 26, with a 2:30pm AEST kickoff, a pre-match set from Kylie Minogue and live coverage on Channel 7 and 7Plus.
  • Fremantle’s final home training at the Cockburn ARC on Wednesday drew a sold-out crowd of around 3,000 fans and widespread city displays, underscoring strong local support ahead of the club’s bid for its first premiership.
  • Brisbane chase a third straight flag against Fremantle’s first-ever premiership attempt and Neale’s late reinstatement shapes midfield matchups and game plans, especially with wet weather forecast for Saturday.