McInerney has been a key part of the Lions' rise up the AFL ladder, but missed playing in the club's crowning moment after twice dislocating his shoulder in the classic preliminary final win against Geelong.
The 30-year-old hurt himself in the first quarter against the Cats, but he strapped up his shoulder and bravely played on until early in the third quarter when it dislocated again.
Oscar McInerney (right) dislocated his shoulder twice in the preliminary final against the Cats. (Joel Carrett/AAP PHOTOS)
Fort put in a superb shift in McInerney's absence in the 60-point win against the Swans on Saturday, despite it being his first AFL game since April 25.
"It was incredible watching him (McInerney) try and play through the pain (against Geelong)," Fort told AAP.
"We were obviously quite sad for him that he wouldn't be able to get up.
"But then as a group, we sort of said that if we could do it for him and win the game for him, we have to do it because he's the most humble guy on the team, and he deserves it more than anyone."
For Oscar today 💪 — Brisbane Lions (@brisbanelions) pic.twitter.com/zdiwkTBBFtSeptember 28, 2024
McInerney was genuinely excited for Fort, celebrating every moment, including when the former Geelong ruckman received his premiership medal.
"He's the most selfless guy you'll ever meet," Fort said.
"His first thought as soon as the game was over (against Geelong) was about getting other guys prepared, getting me to prepare for this game ... he's an absolute warrior, that bloke."
McInerney said Fort's game against Sydney's dual All-Australian Brodie Grundy was "incredible".
Darcy Fort (left) more than held his own against star Sydney ruckman Brodie Grundy. (James Ross/AAP PHOTOS)
"I haven't seen the Norm Smith voting ... I'm not biased, but he (Fort) should've got some votes," he told AAP.
"Finally the AFL world saw the star he is."
McInerney didn't believe he should be any less disappointed than the other players on the Lions' list who missed out on playing in the grand final.
Making Brisbane's premiership even more remarkable is three players - Keidean Coleman, Linc McCarthy and Darcy Gardiner - were sidelined with ACL injuries.
"You dream of days like this," McInerney said.
"People keep saying it's disappointing not to be a part of it, but there's plenty of blokes missing out.
"This club means so much to me.
"When we're bringing the flag home it's not disappointing, I'll tell you that."
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