Lions ruck McInerney pops shoulder out in prelim final
The Brisbane Lions have suffered a major blow early in their AFL preliminary, with ruckman Oscar McInerney going off with a serious shoulder injury.
McInerney was helped from the field late in the first quarter at the MCG on Saturday cradling his left shoulder after it popped out.
The 30-year-old attempted to tackle Geelong midfielder Tom Atkins but hurt his shoulder in the process.
McInerney strapped up his shoulder and bravely played on until early in the third quarter.
But he was forced off the field again when his shoulder gave way for a second time.
Lions board member Leigh Matthews, who coached the club to their premiership three-peat from 2001-03, said in commentary on 3AW that McInerney was “one player you can’t replace”.
Joe Daniher, the hero in the Lions’ stunning come-from-behind win against GWS last week, will be forced to take on the No.1 ruck duties in McInerney’s absence.
Conor McKenna was subbed into the match for McInerney during the third quarter.
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