AFL 2020: Lions big man Oscar McInerney relishing prospect of facing Kangaroos star Todd Goldstein
Kangaroos star Todd Goldstein is set to provide Lions giant Oscar McInerney with his biggest test as a ruckman.
AFL
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Brisbane Lions giant Oscar McInerney faces a stern test of his improving skills as a ruckman when he takes on North Melbourne star Todd Goldstein on Saturday.
McInerney’s value to Lions cannot be under-estimated.
The “Big O” has been thrust into the main rucking role at the Lions following injuries to Stefan Martin and Archie Smith.
While it cuts down the time he spends in the forward line, where his 204cm height is a huge bonus, McInerney ability to shine in the ruckman’s role and feed Brisbane’s star midfield trio of Lachie Neale. Jarryd Lyons and Dayne Zorko will be crucial to the Lions’ premiership chances.
“I love how they explore all the possibilities and encourage me to go after the ball and get up after it,” McInerney said of Neale, Lyons and captain Zorko.
“Their wisdom and understanding is first class. I think I’m extremely lucky to walk to a centre bounce and see those guys around me.
“It’s such a thrill.”
As is the prospect of going head-to-head with Goldstein at Metricon Stadium.
Clearance king Goldstein has been the standout in an otherwise disappointing Kangaroos side this season.
“Goldy has been in incredible form. His ruck work’s been elite for so many years now,” said McInerney, whose added his education would continue after having already developed this season in coming up against the West Coast’s Nic Naitanui and Melbourne’s Max Gawn.
“The lead-up of having to play great players such as Gawn and Nic Naitanui ... you’re continually learning and trying to apply the trade they’ve developed in their ruck craft.
“Hopefully some of those tips and techniques can hold me in good stead against Goldstein.”
With McInerney having spent less time in the forward line in recent matches, it had been up to the likes of Eric Hipwood to lift his performance in Brisbane’s attacking third of the field.
And Hipwood did that last Saturday at the Gabba, kicking five goals in the Lions’ 24-point win over the Western Bulldogs.
“Eric’s been quite phenomenal for the last few weeks, really since we’ve come back,” McInerney said.
“His contested work and marking patterns have been first class, bringing other people into the game.
“It’s good that footy karma rewarded him with all that work that he’s put in with the five goals, but internally all the work that he’s been doing hasn’t gone unrecognised.
“He’s been absolutely super for our group and hopefully that continues and he keeps getting rewarded for all the hard work that he’s been putting in.”
Originally published as AFL 2020: Lions big man Oscar McInerney relishing prospect of facing Kangaroos star Todd Goldstein