Lions set to be without Oscar McInerney for AFL grand final

Brisbane Lions are almost certain to be without first-choice ruckman Oscar McInerney for the AFL grand final on Saturday.

The veteran Lion dislocated his shoulder in their victory Geelong in the preliminary final, and despite coming back on, was ultimately subbed out after it popped out a second time.

McInerney, 30, is a vital part of the Lions’ midfield and is adept in attack, giving them options when star forward Joe Daniher rucks.

Lions coach Chris Fagan was quick to pour cold water on any miracle McInerney recovery.

“I probably reckon when you double dislocate your shoulder in a preliminary final, you’re not going to be playing in the grand final, which is a real pity,” he said.

“He’s just been so enormous for us. His growth as a leader from where he was five or six years ago to now and what he means to the team.”

The Lions are now likely to turn to 31-year-old journeyman Darcy Fort to replace McInerney in the grand final.

Fort has played just two games for the Lions this season, against Collingwood (round 3) and GWS (round 7), which were both losses.

But now he looms as a key player against a Swans team which features former Collingwood ruckman Brodie Grundy, who has returned to somewhere near his best form since his controversial trade.

While the Lions are likely to give Fort the nod, with Daniher supporting him, they could punt on youngster Henry Smith.

Smith has played just four games this season, with the last in round 22, but appears unlikely to be selected as first-choice ruckman against the experienced Grundy.

Brisbane midfielder Jarrod Berry said whoever replaced McInerney just needed to compete and provide a physical presence.

“You build your whole football career up to play in games like this,” Berry said.

“We know exactly what we’re going to get from those two guys. It’s just going to be important that they just create a contest all day.

“That’s what we expect from them.”

Sydney remain a steady $1.75 favourite with online bookmakers to defeat Brisbane ($2.10) on Saturday, but the Lions won their only contest this season in round 19.

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