The Lachie Neale case highlighted a flaw in AFL’s rules. Here’s my lawyer’s fix
- Posted on September 25, 2026
- By The Sydney Morning Herald
- 1 Views
- 1 min read
In brief
The Lachie Neale suspension case has exposed significant inconsistencies in AFL disciplinary procedures, particularly regarding match bans. A legal expert proposes implementing a structured framework that accounts for fixture importance and player impact, similar to systems adopted by other major sports leagues. This reform would ensure proportionate penalties and eliminate arbitrary punishment variations based on fixture scheduling.
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The Lachie Neale case highlighted a flaw in AFL’s rules. Here’s my lawyer’s fix
Other sports have recognised that a one-match ban can be a disproportionately severe punishment depending on the match in which it is served. The problem is easily solved.
