Shock GF berth looms for 'journeyman'... but star Swan set to 'tear ...

A big grand final opportunity looms for Brisbane backup ruckman Darcy Fort following Oscar McInerney’s brutal injury blow... but the game is set up for Sydney counterpart Brodie Grundy to “tear it to shreds.”

McInerney has effectively been ruled out of the decider after the Lions big man twice dislocated his shoulder in the 10-point preliminary final win over Geelong.

Brisbane coach Chris Fagan said losing his No. 1 ruckman McInerney would be a “real pity,” suggesting he’d be replaced with either Fort or 206cm four-gamer Henry Smith.

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But ex-Cat and 35-gamer Fort, who was an emergency for the preliminary final and hasn’t played a senior match since Round 7, firms as the most likely inclusion.

“The opportunity opens up for Darcy Fort. The story of a journeyman in his seventh year in the system and has played 30 odd games — including two this year,” Saints great Leigh Montagna said on Fox Footy’s The First Crack.

“He now has to stand up for this Lions team because of the injury to Oscar McInerney.

“Fort, it must be said, has been in great form in the VFL. I know it’s different, but the last eight weeks he’s averaged eight clearances and 13 contested possessions. He’ll put up a strong fight.

“But he’s got his hands full now going up against Brodie Grundy. He’s going to have to stand up for this team to win the premiership its chasing.”

Whatever way Fagan and the selection committee go, Montagna said Brisbane “can’t replace” McInerney as a “massive out,” labelling him a top five ruckman in the competition.

“What he can do with his clearance work, he’s able to push forward, the presence he has and giving them first use for a team that likes to be aggressive at stoppage,” he said.

Dual premiership Kangaroo David King highlighted the difficulty in replacing a “structural piece” for such an important game.

And he believes next Saturday’s grand final is all set up for Grundy to take over.

BRISBANE, AUSTRALIA - MARCH 24: Darcy Fort of the Lions and Brodie Grundy of the Demons in action during the 2023 AFL Round 02 match between the Brisbane Lions and the Melbourne Demons at the Gabba on March 24, 2023 in Brisbane, Australia. (Photo by Russell Freeman/AFL Photos via Getty Images)Source: FOX SPORTS

“We’re talking about small margins now — a grand final, one off-game — and you lose a structural piece,” King said on The First Crack.

“It’s hard to replace centre-half backs, full forwards and ruckmen.

“There’s a big opportunity screaming out for Brodie Grundy to rip that game to shreds.”

Grundy will need to bounce back from a down performance in Sydney’s 36-point preliminary final victory over Port Adelaide.

Even though the Swans won comfortably, Jordon Sweet had dual All-Australian Grundy’s measure throughout stages including helping Port dominate clearances (25-10) and centre clearances (10-3) in the first half — Sydney’s worst result in a half since Round 9 last year.

“They got mauled in the ruck and at clearance and contest, particularly the first half,” King continued.

“They have to address it and stare (Grundy) and down say: ‘Mate, we need you’.

“We know Sweet is a big boy and seriously aggressive ... But they’ve got a lot of work to do to get that right. They’re gong to get an opportunity to take complete control in the middle.

“Had Oscar made it, he would’ve had a field day, with his size and ability to give good service.”

Montagna added: “If they have those numbers against Brisbane, Brisbane will punish them more on the scoreboard than Port Adelaide did.”