Big O blow: Lions ruck sent to hospital after popping shoulder

Oscar McInerney suffers a shoulder injury after attempting a tackle in the preliminary final against Geelong

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.

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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.

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.