Jaspa Fletcher pays tribute to mentor Lachie Neale as grand final ban stands

Lions young gun Jaspa Fletcher has paid tribute to Lachie Neale, who is likely to have played his last game for Brisbane after failing to have his one-match striking ban overturned ahead of Saturday’s AFL grand final.

Superstar Neale fronted the AFL tribunal on Tuesday night, and after a marathon hearing, his ban for hitting Hawthorn’s Jack Ginnivan in Brisbane’s preliminary final win was upheld.

The Lions have until midday on Wednesday to submit a further notice of appeal, but as it stands, Neale will miss the chance to play in a fourth successive grand final.

And with the likelihood of him leaving Brisbane to join Collingwood ahead of next season, Neale seemingly won’t play again for the Lions.

“That’s footy and that’s business, and he’s got to do what’s right for him, but at the same time, I’d love to still have him here because as a mate and as a mentor as well, I can’t thank him enough for what he’s done for me.

“He’s left such a great legacy at the club. I’m sure we’ll keep a great connection over the journey.”

During his time as a co-captain of the Lions, Neale endorsed Fletcher – who at 22 has already won two AFL premierships and is set to play in his fourth top-flight grand final this weekend when Brisbane meets Fremantle in the decider – as a future skipper of the club.

“When I heard that, I was super honoured for not only Lachie Neale, a two-time Brownlow medallist to say my name in that regard but to also set my sights on that as well,” the versatile Fletcher said.

“I couldn’t be more proud, and if that’s the way the club wants to go, I’d be more than happy to do it.

“I’d do anything for the club. but at the same time, we’ve got a lot of great young leaders and a great group, so whatever happens, happens, but it was certainly a honour (for Neale to say that).”

Fletcher, who since debuting for the Lions in 2023 has not missed a senior game for Brisbane, admitted he wasn’t pleased with his form earlier this season after having shoulder surgery following last year’s grand final win over Geelong.

“I’ve been pretty honest with my form. I haven’t been overly proud with how I’ve gone about it,” he said.

“I could have got a little bit more out of myself, but that’s behind me now and I’ve learnt a lot of lessons along the road, on and off the field.

“I had my shoulder done in the off-season, so you don’t really do much of a pre-season.