Brisbane Lions ruckman Oscar McInerney thrilled for teammates despite missing grand final win

Oscar McInerney says it would have been “selfish” of him to be disappointed at missing Brisbane’s grand final win over Sydney last year.

Selfless Lions ruckman Oscar McInerney says his gratitude to Brisbane for his AFL career far outweighs the disappointment of missing last year’s grand final win because of a shoulder injury.

McInerney was the hard luck story of the Lions’ 2024 premiership success, having been ruled out of the decider after dislocating his shoulder in Brisbane’s preliminary final win over Geelong.

Having injured his shoulder in the first half against the Cats, McInerney was hailed as a hero after returning to the field soon after to further aid Brisbane’s cause despite already knowing his grand final dream was over.

McInerney served as a grand final inspiration to his Lions’ teammates, who thrashed Sydney by 60 points to secure the club its first premiership since 2003.

“It was a little bit embarrassing, to be honest,” the humble 206cm giant said on Thursday ahead of the Lions’ Gabba battle with West Coast Eagles on Sunday.

“(I just wanted) the boys to go out there and do their job.”

Rather than feel unlucky, McInerney said he was “fortunate” to be a Brisbane Lions player.

Oscar McInerney missed last year’s AFL grand final with a shoulder injury. Picture Lachie Millard

“I’ve always looked at my career, from when I come here in 2016, that I was so fortunate to be involved in a footy club,” he said.

“For what the Brisbane Lions have given me throughout the last nine years, to be part of that, to see what the club has worked towards in that journey, it would be quite selfish for me to be down in the dumps because it was a magical day.

“It’s that feeling that you always hear players talk about.”

McInerney was also thrilled for teammate and fellow ruckman Darcy Fort to have gotten the chance to play in the grand final.

“We do everything together. We go into combat all pre-season, try to chase each other’s tail, the running and the strength work, and so to be able to work towards that and achieve that, and see Darcy achieve that, has been incredible.

“It couldn’t happen to a nicer guy. He’s so selfless in what he gives to our club.”

McInerney and Fort were both in Brisbane’s team in last Saturday’s four-point win over Sydney in the grand final rematch at the SCG.

However, with off-season recruit Sam Day selected this weekend in an extended 26-man squad after missing the win over the Swans following his father’s death, Fort has been omitted.

“We know (Day) is a first-class athlete,” McInerney said.

Livewire Charlie Cameron, who also missed the win over Sydney because of a calf injury, again won’t play, with fellow forward Kai Lohmann (ankle) and defender Brandon Starcevich (concussion) also sidelined.

Apart from Day, Deven Robertson, Will McLachlan, Bruce Reville, Henry Smith and Darragh Joyce are the other fresh faces in the extended squad that will be reduced to 23 on Friday afternoon.