Last-minute changes excluding poles is final (8)
I believe the answer is:
ultimate
This clue could be a double definition.
'last' is the first definition.
(similar in meaning)
'is final' is the second definition.
(similar in meaning)
'minute changes excluding poles' is the link.
This may not be correct. Some or all of it may belong to one of the definitions.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for ultimate that I've seen before include "Last, final or extreme" , "something extreme" , "The final point" , "Mutilate in final way" , "Final - mutilate (anag)" .)