The Brisbane Lions will hold back Oscar McInerney for a third-straight week, but coach Chris Fagan has declined to detail the ruck’s ongoing injury issues.
After playing an important role in last Saturday’s win against Hawthorn at the MCG, premiership big man Darcy Fort will again be tasked with the No.1 ruck duties in Thursday night’s clash with Essendon at the Gabba.
The Lions have officially said McInerney has been “sore”, but All-Australian veteran Dayne Zorko let slip on Tuesday the 30-year-old had a back issue.
“He’s got a few issues,” Fagan said on Wednesday when asked about McInerney.
“It’s not my job to share the details of people’s injuries. It’s private and confidential.
“He’s had a few different things going on.
“It’s probably me more than anyone giving him a little bit more time because he was banged up physically and mentally.
“When you’re physically banged up, it starts to affect you mentally.
“I’m happy to give him another week.”
After being a late out against Melbourne a fortnight ago, McInerney travelled with the team as an emergency to face the Hawks.
Fagan said post-game McInerney would have played if Fort was unavailable.
McInerney, who missed last year’s premiership after hurting his shoulder in the preliminary final, trained on Tuesday.
Elite kicking defender Keidean Coleman will also stay out of the team after pulling up sore following his first AFL game in 14 months two weeks ago.
Coleman made his return against the Demons, but has been dealing with swelling on the same knee he had reconstructed in March 2024.
“Scans didn’t reveal anything, it’s just a reaction to more stress and more effort,” Fagan said of Coleman.
“He’s improved, but not enough to play.
“We expect him to be OK in the next week or two.”
The Lions will be out to rectify a middling record at their Gabba fortress this year.
Yet to lose a game away from Queensland this season, Brisbane have dropped home matches against Collingwood and Melbourne.
Essendon sit 10th, having played one less game than 16 other teams, but the Bombers travel north dealing with an injury crisis.
Crafty forward Kyle Langford (quad) and breakout defender Zach Reid (hamstring) will both be out for up to six weeks after hurting themselves in the Dreamtime win against Richmond last Friday.
The Bombers will also take on the reigning premiers without key defender Ben McKay, who is dealing with a foot issue.
Rucks Sam Draper and Nick Bryan are already out for the season, while important talls Jordan Ridley and Harry Jones are still five weeks away from a return.
Essendon will be looking for a competitive performance after suffering a 91-point smashing to premiership threat the Western Bulldogs two weeks ago.
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