LACHIE Neale and Grand Final week drama is nothing new for Brisbane. And if history is any indication, it is a good thing for the Lions.

Just like 12 months ago when he raced the clock to overcome a calf injury to face Geelong in the season decider, the two-time Brownlow Medal winner has dominated headlines this week with his Tribunal and Appeal Board saga.

Now the two-time premiers will hope his great escape on Thursday night can have the same impact his stunning recovery did this time last year.

Against the Cats, Neale played one of the great halves in recent Grand Final history, coming on as a substitute at the main break and helping Brisbane take the game from a stalemate to a blowout.

The 33-year-old racked up 17 disposals that included seven clearances, and perhaps more importantly, an iconic goal from outside 50m to separate the teams.

His inclusion to face Fremantle on Saturday is no small thing.

Neale was emotional when the verdict went his way on Thursday night, and that's understandable. As Matthew Lloyd told Channel Nine, Lions officials thought they were little chance of overturning the striking case.

If there is one thing we've learned about the champion midfielder in 2026, it is that he can separate what happens off the field from how he plays on it.

With the very public breakdown of his marriage leading to Neale stepping aside from the Lions co-captaincy at the start of the year, he has gone on to compile an extraordinary season.

He will likely finish top three in the club's best and fairest once again.

Amongst it all - the two seperate Grand Final dramas and the very public off-field scandal - has been his very open push to depart the club at the end of the season and join Collingwood.

Although the drama surrounding him on Tuesday night, then Wednesday when Brisbane landed at Melbourne Airport and ultimately Thursday night at the hearing, might negatively impact an inexperienced team, for Neale and the Lions, it should be water off a duck's back. As it has been all year.

They could win without him. But they are a better chance with him.

The forecast wet weather on Saturday only adds to Neale's importance. As one of the cleanest players in the competition, Neale will be hell-bent on making his final game for the club - in all likelihood - one to remember.

Don't be surprised if he has one dramatic act to come.