Selfless Oscar McInerney lauded for humility after shoulder injury robbed him of a premiership medal
If there was ever someone to learn from in the face of personal heartbreak, take a leaf out of Oscar McInerney's book.
The Brisbane ruckman missed out on their 60-point premiership victory over Sydney, but didn't miss a beat when it came to celebrations.
McInerney was replaced by second ruckman Darcy Fort, playing just his third game of the season.
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But the ruckman didn't fret when the hard-luck story became his after his double shoulder dislocation in the preliminary final, celebrating every moment for Fort and his teammates.
"Our club's built on that brotherhood. There's hard-luck stories everywhere," he said on Seven post-match.
Oscar McInerney and Cam Rayner celebrate the premiership. Getty
McInerney was seen hugging Fort on the final siren, and cheering extra loudly when the ruckman was called up to receive his premiership medal.
An ever-humble McInerney played off his heartbreak, turning to many others amongst the club who also missed out.
They include small forward Lincoln McCarthy (ACL) and Keidean Coleman (ACL), who were part of the Lions' 2023 grand final loss to the Pies.
"(Guys like) Lincoln McCarthy (ACL), they're the guys you're feeling for that have had to miss all year," he said.
Oscar McInerney looked in agony after a shoulder dislocation in the prelim. Getty
"It takes a squad to do this."
Fort had 12 disposals, 20 hitouts and five score involvements and competed well against the Swans' star ruckman Brodie Grundy.
The former Geelong ruckman now joins a very niche group of premiership players.
He, alongside ruckmen Shane Mumford (Sydney premiership player 2012) and Nathan Vardy (Eagles premiership player 2018), all left the Cats and went on to win flags.
And even more unique, Vardy and Fort were both backup ruckmen for the home-and-away seasons, before injuries struck Nic Naitanui and McInerney.
As for McInerney, his humility and ability to celebrate with his teammates, not making the day about himself, will go down as one of the most heartwarming parts of the Lions' grand final win.
