Only two players get to carry the winning premiership cup off the MCG on grand final day – and for Brisbane, that honour was given to Oscar McInerney and Darcy Gardiner.

The gesture to lead the Lions off the ground was significant given the duo were the heartbreak tales of Brisbane’s 2024 premiership success – with both missing the victory through injury.

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But on Saturday, they became the centre of celebrations as the Lions defeated Geelong by 47 points.

McInerney himself received the biggest ovation when players took to the podium to receive his premiership medallion.

He had stolen the show in 2024 with his joy – despite not being part of the side that claimed the flag.

When asked post-victory if he ever thought about giving up his AFL playing days, McInerney replied: “Nah not at all.”

“I’m so lucky to play footy as a job. To keep trying to pound the rock, as the group sort of instils in us, whether that was in the twos, travelling or just trying to get the body right, it’s much better than laying bricks or anything like that,” he told 7 AFL.

“I’m gassed now. We’ll have a good break now.”

Darcy Gardiner (left) and Oscar McInerney carry the premiership cup off the MCG.Source: Getty Images

McInerney endured a tough 2025 season as he battled a persistent back injury that restricted him to just 11 games – and only three after early May before his reprieve came against the Gold Coast Suns in the semi final.

“We played Box Hill in a final and we got eliminated, I threw everything at that and the body didn’t pull up too great,” he shared.

Lion Oscar McInerney with his premiership medal.Source: Getty Images

“I thought: ‘Unfortunately that’s me best shot’.

“Fages said: ‘I hope the body is alright to get up for Gold Coast’. We hung on to every last straw to get up that week and just ride the emotional rollercoaster from there.”

Unlike McInerney, Gardiner had played in a grand final – but his came in the 2023 loss to Collingwood before injury cruelled his 2024 charge.

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Speaking with his premiership medal now around his neck, the defender praised Lions coach Chris Fagan for his belief and trust.

“I had the losing one in 2023 and I missed out last year. I wasn’t quite sure if I’d get back out there last year and a few dominoes fell my way so I was able to get in and give it a real red hot crack,” he said.

“It’s a pretty amazing result, to be honest.

Oscar McInerney celebrates winning his first premiership.Source: News Corp Australia

“(Fages is) very special. I’ve had a few hiccups over the years with injuries and that sort of thing, but he’s always held strong belief in me and given me the right messaging along the way. That’s why I’m still going and wanting to come and achieve this. He’s been very important.”

McInerney echoed the sentiments on Fagan, who famously gifted his 2024 premiership medal to the big ruckman in the days following their grand final win.

“I said ‘I’ll be dropping it back off in his office’,” McInerney laughed of the Fagan medal gift.

“He was like ‘no’, but he deserves to have it for his grandkids and everyone.

“He puts in just as much as anyone else. He bleeds for our boys and he’s such a special man.”