LACHIE Neale is still hopeful of playing in Saturday's Grand Final, saying he'll "support the boys" regardless of Thursday's Appeals Board result.

Brisbane's champion midfielder gave a quick statement at Melbourne Airport on Wednesday afternoon following the Tribunal's decision to uphold his one-match suspension for striking Jack Ginnivan.

"The club and myself have decided to appeal the Tribunal's decision," Neale said.

"Obviously I'm very hopeful that's successful, but regardless of the result I will be here to support the boys and the club. It's a big week for the club.

"Thank you."

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Neale did not take questions amid a throng of journalists at the packed Airport as the Lions landed to prepare for a third straight premiership.

Former captain Dayne Zorko spoke to the media, saying the Lions were used to Grand Final week uncertainty after Neale overcame a serious calf injury to play in last year's decider.

"You can't get carried away about it just being a Lachie Neale team," Zorko said.

"We're the Brisbane Lions. We've got a lot of players on our list. We played a few finals last year without him as well.

"We'll let that (Appeals Board) run its course. We won’t get distracted. 

"We'd love him to be out there, we hope he's out there, but if he's not, our 'next man up' mentality is going to come into play."

Zorko didn't want to buy into the verdict, but said he thought Neale's impeccable record of not being previously suspended in 320 games might have carried more weight.

"Maybe it doesn't," he said.

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The Lions can take the case to the Appeals Board and challenge based on one of the following:

* Error of law. An error of law that has a material impact on the Tribunal decision.
* Unreasonable decision. The decision was so unreasonable, no Tribunal acting reasonably could have come it having regard to the evidence.
* Manifestly excessive or inadequate classification: The grading of the offence was manifestly excessive or inadequate.
* Manifestly excessive or inadequate sanction: The sanction or suspension imposed was manifestly excessive or inadequate.