Concussion injury cloud hangs over Mcinerney
BRISBANE’S Big O shapes as a no-go for next week’s vital trip to Sydney with Oscar Mcinerney battling to recover from concussion in time to face the fourth-placed Giants.
In-form Mcinerney has been a revelation filling a dual ruck-forward role this season but is in serious doubt to face Greater Western Sydney after coming off second best in a brutal collision with Melbourne’s Christian Salem.
Mcinerney went low to contest a disputed ball shortly before halftime and made headfirst contact with Salem’s hip, leaving him bloodied.
Brisbane coach Chris Fagan said Mcinerney, who failed to return in the Lions’ 33-point win, was cleared of breakages but wouldn’t be risked against the Giants if he wasn’t fully fit.
“He’s got concussion, so it’ll be interesting to see how he goes this week,” Fagan said post-game.
“I wouldn’t be sure for next weekend. Obviously no risk will be taken.”
Mcinerney’s fate will be decided on Thursday but his likely absence opens the door for Archie Smith’s senior return as the Lions eye off a season-defining win over GWS. Both sides have won three of their past five games and can clinch outright fourth on the ladder with a win but the odds are stacked in the Giants’ favour.
GWS have won all four of their home games by an average margin of 74 points in 2019 while the Lions are 3-3 on the road. Yet Smith’s NEAFL average of 25 hit-outs and 17 disposals could be enough to book him a flight to Sydney and play a key role against the Giants.