Oscar McInerney is injured during the preliminary final between Geelong and Brisbane at the MCG on September 21, 2024. Picture: AFL Photos

BRISBANE suffered a major blow early in its preliminary final against Geelong, 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.

CATS v LIONS Full match coverage and stats

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, before t he was forced off the field again when his shoulder gave way for a second time.

00:43

Big O’s shoulder blow leaves Lions sweating

Brisbane suffers a massive injury headache in the first term with ruckman Oscar McInerney appearing to dislocate his shoulder attempting to tackle

Joe Daniher, the hero in the Lions' stunning come-from-behind win against Greater Western Sydney last week, has taken on the No.1 ruck duties in McInerney's absence.

Conor McKenna was subbed into the match for McInerney during the third quarter.

ALL THE HIGHLIGHTS

  • 14:58

    Mini-Match: Geelong v Brisbane

    Extended highlights of the Cats and Lions clash in the second preliminary final

    AFL
  • 12:36

    Full post-match, Preliminary Final: Cats

    Watch Geelong’s press conference after their Preliminary Final against Brisbane

    AFL
  • 13:45

    Full post-match, Preliminary Final: Lions

    Watch Brisbane’s press conference after their Preliminary Final against Geelong

    AFL
  • 02:17

    Rayner rises to new heights in epic performance

    Cam Rayner elevates to another level on the big stage with some massive moments to will his side over the line

    AFL
  • 07:18

    Highlights: Geelong v Brisbane

    The Cats and Lions clash in the second preliminary final

    AFL
  • 03:47

    Last two mins: Lions deliver late to pull off all-time prelim victory

    The thrilling final moments between Geelong and Brisbane in the second preliminary final

    AFL
  • 00:54

    Ah Chee sends ‘G into frenzy with mega moment

    Callum Ah Chee hits right back at Geelong with a crazy major to put the Lions one step closer to the Grand Final

    AFL
  • 00:59

    Henry heroics strike twice to set up grandstand finish

    Oliver Henry scores two of the biggest goals of his career to inch the Cats in front late in the final term

    AFL
  • 00:38

    Is Paddy in danger for this dump tackle?

    Tensions rise as Patrick Dangerfield is pinged for a dangerous tackle on Hugh McCluggage

    AFL
  • 00:43

    Miers madness: ‘G stunned by Gryan again

    Gryan Miers rocks the stadium once more, this time conjuring an unbelievable sky-high snap from the boundary that miraculously floats through

    AFL
  • 00:43

    Miers transforms to Messi again in epic assist

    Gryan Miers lives up to the Lionel Messi label with this remarkable soccer effort creating a goal for Oliver Henry

    AFL
  • 00:28

    The greatest Lohmann: Kai flies high

    Kai Lohmann gets lift-off in the second quarter with a sizzling speccy on the wing

    AFL
  • 00:43

    Big O’s shoulder blow leaves Lions sweating

    Brisbane suffers a massive injury headache in the first term with ruckman Oscar McInerney appearing to dislocate his shoulder attempting to tackle

    AFL
  • 00:55

    Charlie roars after finally unlocking door

    Charlie Cameron breaks the deadlock in an intense opening term with a quality mark and finish

    AFL