Brisbane Lions make two changes to team which beat Melbourne

The Brisbane Lions will be boosted by the return of a key pair for their AFL preliminary final against Geelong.

Lions star Joe Daniher is preparing to take on the Geelong Cats. Picture: Bradley Kanaris / Getty Images

The Brisbane Lions have recalled star forward Joe Daniher and ruckman Oscar McInerney for Friday night’s AFL preliminary final against Geelong at the MCG.

Former Cat Darcy Fort and Tom Fullarton, who both played well in Brisbane’s win over Melbourne last Friday, are the unlucky omissions.

Daniher withdrew from the Lions side which beat the Demons at the MCG on the day of the match to return to Brisbane for the birth of his daughter.

McInerney returns from concussion, having not played since copping a heavy blow in the first two minutes of the Lions’ win over Richmond in week one of the finals at the Gabba.

Before the team announcement, Lions coach Chris Fagan hinted it wasn’t going to be a straightforward recall of Daniher and McInerney.

Oscar McInerney will return for the Lions on Friday night. Picture: Bradley Kanaris / Getty Images

“It’s not an easy decision because the boys that came in last week, Tom Fullarton and Darcy Fort, played particularly well,” Fagan said.

“It is a bit of a debate because those lads were great last week. All credit to them – they played their roles really well.”

Ruckman Fort has been named among the emergencies alongside Rhys Mathieson, Jaxon Prior and Ryan Lester.

“It’s difficult because those guys have been so good, and I am loyal, so it’s pretty hard, but at the end of the day, you’ve got to make the right calls to put the best team out there that you think gives you the best chance to win,” Fagan said in explaining some tough selection calls he has made during the finals series.

“My job as coach and our job as a match committee is to do that, so that’s what we’ve done.

“The season as a whole gives you a bit of feedback on the team and what gets exploited, and what doesn’t.

“Obviously, playing one final at the MCG and another one this week, the ability to run is probably something that we’ve put a high priority on.”

Originally published as Brisbane Lions make two changes to team which beat Melbourne