Two-time Brownlow Medallist Lachie Neale has delivered a strange, short statement to the media upon his arrival to Melbourne Airport on Wednesday.

Media was alerted on Wednesday morning that Neale would briefly be available, though he did not take questions and his statement was concise.

"Regardless of the result, I'll be here to support the boys and the club this week. It's a big week for the club. Thankyou," he said.

It follows his one-game suspension for striking Hawthorn's Jack Ginnivan which was upheld at the AFL tribunal on Tuesday night.

MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 05: Logan Morris, Lachie Neale and Levi Ashcroft of the Lions sing the song in the rooms after winning the round four AFL match between Richmond Tigers and Brisbane Lions at Melbourne Cricket Ground, on April 05, 2025, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Josh Chadwick/AFL Photos/via Getty Images)
MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA - APRIL 05: Logan Morris, Lachie Neale and Levi Ashcroft of the Lions sing the song in the rooms after winning the round four AFL match between Richmond Tigers and Brisbane Lions at Melbourne Cricket Ground, on April 05, 2025, in Melbourne, Australia. (Photo by Josh Chadwick/AFL Photos/via Getty Images)

The Lions have decided to take it to the AFL appeals board, with the hearing to take place from 4pm on Thursday.

The Lions landed on Wednesday afternoon ahead of Saturday's decider against Fremantle where they will enter as heavy favourites against a side yet to win a premiership which has won just three quarters all finals series.

JOIN THE DISCUSSION