Popular Lions ruckman McInerney gets his premiership
Oliver Caffrey |
Oscar McInerney thought was going to have a “gap year” but less than a decade later he has become a storied Brisbane Lions premiership figure.
After showing an incredible team-first attitude when he was forced to miss last year’s grand final win over Sydney, the ruckman was on the field for the Lions’ extraordinary second-half blitz of Geelong on Saturday.
McInerney played every game of the 2024 season before dislocating his shoulder in the preliminary final.
Instead of feel sorry for himself in grand final week, McInerney gave his all to support his teammates.
This year, the 31-year-old struggled with back issues – and for form – but received a call-up after Brisbane’s qualifying final defeat.
The Lions have rarely used two genuine ruckman in recent years, but opted to play McInerney alongside his great mate Darcy Fort, who famously stepped up against the Swans in 2024.
McInerney had played just 11 AFL games this season before coach Chris Fagan picked him ahead of the semi-final QClash against Gold Coast.
“I’m so grateful for the belief he (Fagan) showed me to give me a chance late in the year, when things hadn’t really worked out, but we just keep working on it,” McInerney said.
“His mantra is just go to work every day and keep showing up.
“I can’t say I was low at all last year (missing the grand final).
“To be part of a footy club that gives themselves a chance every year.
“I’m just so proud of all my best mates for achieving what they did last year, and then the ability to go again.”
McInerney was taken with pick 37 in the 2017 rookie draft, but has managed to play 165 games.
His selfless perspective means he will go down as one of the most popular players to have ever represented the club.
“They took me as a rookie; so immature, naive,” McInerney said.
“Thought I was coming in for a one-year gap year, and they just kept showing me faith; giving me too many opportunities, probably.
“We’ve been able to replicate that high performance atmosphere, but also that local club feel, that brotherhood that you can’t get anywhere else.”
After claiming back-to-back premierships, the Lions will welcome Essendon ruck Sam Draper and West Coast forward Oscar Allen as free agents during the trade period.
“No idea how it looks (next year),” McInerney said with his role.
“One thing I’m a big advocate for is bringing in quality talent to your club.
“If you can bring in quality talent to make your footy club better, why would you not be supportive of that.”
AAP
