Oscar McInerney’s ability to put his own personal heartbreak behind him to celebrate Brisbane’s premiership is something coach Chris Fagan will never forget.
After McInerney dislocated his shoulder twice in the Lions’ preliminary final win over Geelong, you’d understand if the ruckman would have felt left out after missing a premiership medal on Saturday.
But he was the bloke cheering loudest and celebrating hardest on the final siren after watching his teammates demolish the Swans.
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And it was the selflessness to go out injured against the Cats for a second crack to help them secure a 10-point win and a shot at premiership redemption, that initially blew the coach away.
“What he did last week against Geelong in the preliminary final, to come back on with his shoulder half hanging out of its socket and give us another 45 minutes was the ultimate team act,” Fagan said on Fox on Monday night.
“We knew if we came out again and were able to win that preliminary final, it was pretty unlikely he’d play on the next week (in the grand final).
“But that bit didn’t bother him. He just came out and did what he had to do.
“He’s a great character, Oscar, he is one bloke who gives himself to the team.”
As for how the loss of McInerney impacted the rest of the side in the days leading into their grand final, Fagan said he became an even greater source of stability and inspiration.
Fagan lauded McInerney’s ability to give more for the team since their heartbreaking 2023 grand final loss to Collingwood, which became even more apparent as he faced personal heartbreak.
“He’s been the epitome of that (giving for the team),” he said.
“I’m pretty sure our players ran out onto the ground on the weekend with his pulse beating in their hearts. I’ve got no doubt about that.”