Fremantle coach Justin Longmuir was not shocked by the AFL Appeals Board's decision to lift Brisbane midfielder Lachie Neale's one-match suspension.
After a five-hour Tribunal hearing on Tuesday, Neale and the Lions sought to have the on-baller's suspension for striking Hawthorn's Jack Ginnivan overturned.
Despite new vision emerging that indicated a clear strike, the Brisbane representative managed to use the exceptional and compelling circumstance clause - given Neale's relatively unblemished record in more than 300 AFL games - to make him available for Saturday's Grand Final against his former team.
"I thought he would play; it has probably taken longer than expected," Longmuir told Fox Footy shortly after the outcome was revealed.
"I understand the rationale behind it. With the Tribunal, concussion and umpiring, I'm after consistency, and there is some consistency in this with exemplary records.
"We wouldn't have changed our midfield, and if he didn't play – one of their other guys would have moved up. They have players lining up for [midfield] time.
"We will put time into him. He's a champion of the game, so having him out there will definitely help them."
Neale himself was pretty pleased.
"Obviously, very happy with the Appeals Board's decision," Neale said.
"Looking forward to playing the Grand Final now, and I want to thank the club, Danny (Daly), everyone involved in the process and helping me play this weekend and the AFL Appeals Board for their decision as well.
"I wouldn't say (I have) a bigger point to prove; I just want to play my part on Saturday. Difficult challenge against Freo, but hopefully we do it."
Neale is now free to play in what will likely be his last game for the club.
The superstar midfielder is expected to move to Collingwood next season.
Neale and the Lions are hunting their third straight premiership on Saturday when they play Fremantle in the Grand Final at the MCG.
