Brisbane suffered a major blow early in its preliminary final against Geelong, with ruckman Oscar McInerney going off with a serious shoulder injury. The 30-year-old attempted to tackle Geelong midfielder Tom Atkins but hurt his shoulder in the process. McInerney was helped from the field late in the first quarter at the MCG on Saturday cradling his left shoulder after it popped out.
McInerney strapped up his shoulder and bravely played on until early in the third quarter, before he was forced off the field again when his shoulder gave way for a second time. The Lions coach Chris Fagan confirmed that McInerney was a certain out for next week's decider, with Darcy Fort or Henry Smith the likely replacement to take on Sydney's Brodie Grundy.
McInerney’s Injury and the Impact on Brisbane
McInerney’s injury is a huge loss for the Lions. He has been a key player for them this season, averaging over 20 disposals and 10 hit-outs per game. His absence will be felt in the ruck, where he will be replaced by Darcy Fort or Henry Smith.
Brisbane’s Resilient Season
Brisbane has had a resilient season. They were 4-6-1 at the halfway point of the season but finished the home and away season in second place on the ladder. They have shown great character to overcome a number of challenges, including a number of injuries.
The Grand Final
The Grand Final will be a tough test for the Lions. They will be facing a Sydney team that is in red-hot form. However, the Lions have shown that they are capable of beating anyone on their day. The Grand Final will be a closely contested match, and the winner will be the team that can handle the pressure the best.
The Road to Redemption
The Lions will be looking to make amends for their heartbreaking loss to Collingwood in last year’s Grand Final. They will be hoping that their experience from last year will help them to handle the pressure of the big stage.
A Huge Task Ahead
Brisbane's task just got a whole lot harder. The Lions will need to find a way to replace McInerney’s ruck work, and they will need to be at their best to beat a strong Sydney team. However, the Lions have shown all season that they are capable of overcoming adversity. They will be looking to make history by winning their first premiership since 2003.
A Heartbreaking End
Oscar McInerney’s injury is a real pity. He has been a great servant of the Brisbane Lions, and he would have loved to have played in the Grand Final. But the Lions are a team that has shown a lot of resilience this season, and they will be looking to use McInerney’s injury as motivation to win the Grand Final.
A New Era for the Lions
The Lions have a bright future ahead of them. They have a strong squad, and they have a coach in Chris Fagan who is building a winning culture. The Lions will be looking to build on their success this year, and they will be hoping to win their first premiership in over two decades.
A Moment of Truth
The Grand Final will be a moment of truth for the Lions. They will need to show that they are truly a premiership team. They have the talent and the belief, and they will be hoping to make history by winning the Grand Final.
The Lions’ Journey
The Brisbane Lions have come a long way this season. They have overcome adversity, and they have shown that they are a team to be reckoned with. The Grand Final will be a tough test for the Lions, but they are a team that is capable of achieving anything. They have a bright future ahead of them, and they will be hoping to make history by winning their first premiership in over two decades.
