Schwab thinks Neale can avoid AFL grand final ban club

Peter Schwab dislikes the AFL tribunal's "exemplary record" provision, even though he hopes Lachie Neale will play in the grand final and thinks he can beat his charge.

If Brisbane fail to overturn their star's one-game striking ban, Neale would join Schwab in one of the AFL's most unwanted clubs - players to miss a grand final through suspension.

Given what is at stake, the Lions are certain to appeal if the tribunal upholds the ban.

But Schwab, who has an unrivalled CV across all parts of the AFL, is no fan of the clause that the Lions will undoubtedly use, if Neale is found guilty and they try to downgrade the penalty to a fine.

"I'm not a fan of arguing 'good behaviour' ... part of me doesn't feel that's part of it," Schwab told AAP.

"If I go through a red light, it doesn't mean, if I have no (demerit) points, I'm going to get off.

Schwab went to Saturday's epic preliminary final, but did not see the incident when Neale made contact with Jack Ginnivan.

Unless the AFL produces clearer vision of the incident at the tribunal hearing - the footage shown so far is grainy - Schwab thinks the Lions have a case.

"He shouldn't have done it, probably a free kick. Unless there's different vision where you clearly see him swing a forceful punch ... you'd need to have a look at that."

But as soon as Schwab heard about Neale's suspension, he almost flinched.

The three-time Hawthorn premiership player missed out on a fourth when he was suspended for the classic 1989 grand final.

"I always think 'what did you do that for?' ... any player in a final," he said.

"Unless it's a really nasty, vindictive act, you don't anyone to miss a grand final."

Schwab was in the AFL for four decades, also coaching Hawthorn to within a couple of points of reaching the 2001 grand final, plus working at Brisbane and the league.