Lions favourite calls time after AFL premiership
Shayne Hope |
Brisbane Lions favourite Oscar McInerney has signed off on a high, calling time on his AFL career days after winning a premiership.
The 31-year-old ruckman, who battled injuries throughout the 2025 season, has hung up his boots after 185 games over nine seasons.
McInerney famously missed the Lions’ 2024 flag after injuring his shoulder in the preliminary final, having played every previous game that season.
But he was rewarded this year when he was called into the team for a semi-final and held his spot for the rest of the campaign, ending in the grand-final thumping of Geelong.
“While we are sad to see Oscar retire, we could not be happier to see him do so as a premiership player because it’s what he thoroughly deserves,” Brisbane football manager Danny Daly said.
“Despite missing out on playing in last year’s premiership due to injury, he still gave 100 per cent to the team off the field and was the happiest person to see his teammates win.
“Big O is one of the most loved and respected people and players to have played for the Brisbane Lions and our football club is a better place for having had him part of it.”
McInerney joins Callum Ah Chee (Adelaide) and Brandon Starcevich (West Coast) as Lions premiership players who won’t be at the club next season.
No AFL/VFL premiership team has ever played together again in its entirety after claiming a flag.
AAP
