Brisbane’s Oscar McInerney wants to have bigger impact for Lions, starting with clash with St Kilda

After bursting onto the scene as a key player for the Lions earlier this season, Oscar McInerney’s form has dropped away. Now that he’s back in the Brisbane team, he’s keen to have a bigger impact again, starting with the crucial clash against St Kilda.

Oscar McInerney is keen to have a bigger impact for Brisbane. Picture: Getty

The opposing coaches have adopted vastly different approaches ahead of Saturday’s critical clash between Brisbane and St Kilda at Marvel Stadium.

While the Lions’ Chris Fagan has resolutely ignored the ramifications of the result and talked about improving brick by brick, St Kilda’s Alan Richardson laid it on the line, admitting there was “minimal wriggle room”.

The Saints have been buoyed by high-profile inclusions Dan Hannebery and Jake Carlisle for their first game of the year and Richardson said the 6-6 Saints need them to hit the ground running.

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“This is not just a ‘get them in, try to get them going’ — no, we can’t afford that, we have absolutely minimal wriggle room,” he said.

Brisbane also have a significant inclusion in Oscar McInerney, who missed the win over Hawthorn for a family funeral and then was forced to spend a week in the NEAFL while Archie Smith got his chance at AFL level.

McInerney was a revelation when he broke into the senior side last year and while he has had big moments this season — including Round 2 when he ripped the game from the Kangaroos’ grasp with a stunning third quarter — his form has wavered.

Oscar McInerney is keen to have a bigger impact for Brisbane. Picture: Getty

He said he has never felt his position was secure this season with Smith breathing down his neck on the track each week.

“There is nothing better than having 47 strong blokes pushing for a spot each week because it keeps you accountable, you have to be doing everything right on the track and playing good footy,’’ he said.

“Watching the boys on TV the last couple of games definitely made me even hungrier.

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“I have been up and down this season and I know I have to continue to keep working on my contests and giving my teammates confidence that I will be bringing the ball to ground.”

McInerney wasn’t about to break ranks and talk about the effect Saturday’s result would have on the Lions’ finals aspirations.

“Fages goes on with a brick at a time, it is cliched but that is all it is about this weekend,’’ he said.

“We’ve got our plan in place and we have to execute it.’’

McInerney was a revelation earlier in the season.

He was more expansive when talking about a midweek excursion where a group of Lions served food and washed dishes for some of the city’s less fortunate at the Brisbane Relief Hub.

“It was really amazing to get away from the club and do something that might make a little difference to someone else’s life,’’ he said.

“Sometimes you can get consumed in the footy bubble and be a bit ignorant about what is happening to people in the real world. It was good to get out there and hear a bit about what some people are going through.

“Fages encourages that, we want to grow as people not just footballers and there are a few boys that are really strongly invested in the community.’’

SAINTS v LIONS: WHERE IT WILL BE WON

THE KEY

No one would have been happier than Lachie Neale to see the Saints’ shutdown man Jack Steele injured before the bye. After a brilliant start the Lions ace was tagged out of the game in the second half against Carlton and it had a major bearing on the result. Brisbane needs Neale back at his three-vote best to overcome the Saints.

Lachie Neale will enjoy Jack Steele’s absence on Saturday. Picture: Michael Klein

WHAT THEY MUST IMPROVE

Brisbane’s Achilles heel is goal kicking, followed closely by contested possessions. The Lions have controlled large parts of most away games this season but have failed to convert enough chances to end the contest. When the contested side of their game falters, which happens to younger sides, the scoreboard pressure that would snuff out an opposition comeback isn’t there.

WHAT IS WORKING

The forward pressure is elite. Led by skipper Dayne Zorko, the Lions rank second for tackles inside-50 per game. Zorko (27) is in a class of his own but is well supported by Charlie Cameron (17), Lincoln McCarthy (14), Mitch Robinson (14), Eric Hipwood (14) and Jarryd Lyons (12).

RAMIFICATIONS

Brisbane need six wins from 10 games to guarantee a finals berth. That means they need to find a win or two on the road. On form and ladder position, and at a venue that suits them, this game and the date with the Hawks in Launceston are the must-wins.