Brisbane ruck Oscar McInerney has revealed the criticism of premiership coach Chris Fagan has been “just cruel” this season, as his Lions side won their first premiership in 21 years.
McInerney, who was cruelly injured in last week’s preliminary final win over Geelong, was full of praise for his teammates and coach after what would have undoubtedly been one of the toughest weeks of his life.
“I’m forgetting that I can’t really put my arm out and embrace in hugs, tackles, whatever you call it. But it is all in good fun,” McInerney told foxfooty.com.au in the premiership-winning changerooms.
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“The support I have received has been incredible. I feel a bit criminal, to be honest,” he said. “I have received the loveliest of messages but it was’t needed. But it is appreciated, but I was doing all well all week.
“To be a part of this, to see something like this, to see my great mates win a flag, it is absolute magic.”
“I love my boys. I love my brothers. I tried to keep them excited, try to keep filling their cup, and I was more than happy to try and do that.”
Having twice dislocated the shoulder during Brisbane’s preliminary final against Geelong, which included a brave display to return and soldier on for as long as possible, McInerney again dislocated the shoulder in the winning rooms after not playing today.
“I think I have popped it out again celebrating before, so it is shit,” he said.
“We are going to get the physios to strap it again for the next three days and then reassess from there, if you like.
And in a post-game interview with Channel 7, he even lightheartedly suggested centre-half forward Joe Daniher was better than him around the stoppage.
“To be honest, we looked better with Joey (Daniher) in the ruck (than me),” McInerney jokingly said to the network.
“The boys are flying, and it’s going to be an exciting couple of weeks.”
The Lions completely blew the ladder-leading Swans out of the water after quarter time, kicking seven unanswered goals throughout the second and third quarter to shatter the hearts of Sydney fans.
McInerney’s replacement Darcy Fort played just his third game of the 2024 – and first since round 7 – was commendable in his efforts against superstar Swan Brodie Grundy, finishing with 12 disposals, 20 hitouts and five score involvements.
Fort and the injured Lion were seen sharing a beautiful embrace post-game – a testament to McInerney’s selflessness, as well as the camaraderie that Fagan’s club shares.
“You know straight away when it (your shoulder) comes out, (that) she’s not meant to come out… our club’s built on that brotherhood; there’s hard-luck stories everywhere; (guys like) Lincoln McCarthy – they’re the guys you’re feeling for that have had to miss all year,” McInerney continued.
“It takes a squad to do this.”
And while there’s no doubt that the 2024 premiership cup in their hands makes this year’s adversity worth it, McInerney – rightly – wasn’t forgetting the critics that came for his coach anytime soon.
“(It’s) just cruel the (criticism of Fagan these) last 12 months; you wouldn’t know it internally, he shows up every day.”
“We carry on about me doing my shoulder, but he’s had the harshest 12 months. Every day he’s fronted up and led our boys.
“We were in the trough at 2-5, and what man would you want leading us? He steered the ship beautifully this season, it’s all on the back of his work.
The 204cm tall was all-in on the sidelines today to lend coaches and players a helping hand in a game-day role, but he doesn’t plan on doing it again anytime soon for a multitude of reasons.
“To be honest, I’m cooked – I’m no good at watching. They say that ‘Fages’ is a nervous watcher, but I was pacing and I’ve done me shoulder celebrating a bit too hard,” McInerney said with a giggle.
And how long will their celebrations go on for in the eyes of ‘The Big O’?
“There’ll be a few sprinters I reckon amongst the boys, but hopefully we get it out to a two or three-day marathon,” he said with a cheeky grin.
Source Agencies
