Could Oscar McInerney finish his career with a premiership?
The Brisbane ruckman is reportedly weighing up his future after claiming the elusive flag, which has haunted him over the past two years.
McInerney missed out on the 2024 triumph after dislocating his shoulder in the penultimate weekend, while the Lions failed to salute 12 months earlier against Collingwood.
However, the 'Big O' has battled with his body, missing large chunks of the season due to back problems and form, but fortunately found his way into the senior side in September.
Channel 9's Tom Morris has revealed that McInerney, who is contracted for 2026, may have played his last match in the Brisbane uniform.
"Oscar McInerney all year has been confiding in people that this might be his last season," Morris told Nine's Footy Furnace.
"I know he's contracted for next year, but he's been weighing up retirement.
"We don't know whether he's going to bite that bullet or not.
"I think a few weeks ago it looked a bit more likely than it did a week ago, but whatever he does now he can rest assured that he's a much-loved Brisbane Lions player, whether he plays on or not.
"He does have back issues, but he is contracted for next year, so let's hope he plays on."
Brisbane GM of Football Danny Daly was unsure where the 31-year-old's future sat when he was asked about it on SEN.
"No, he hasn't told us (if he's retiring)," Daly said.
"We've been chatting to him all the way through about mostly how he's feeling with his back and body.
"Our last discussion with him was that he wanted to keep playing, but in the cold light of day, once he's got a premiership under his belt, he'll make the decision about what's best for him and his family, and we'll support that."
The decision comes as the club is set to welcome free agent pair Sam Draper and Oscar Allen to the mix.
Draper, who was sidelined for the majority of the season with an Achilles injury, will cross from Essendon and likely take the No.1 ruck role.
Allen will depart West Coast to bolster the key forward stocks and will stand alongside youngsters Logan Morris and Ty Gallop.
McInerney has played 165 career games for the Lions since joining the club in the 2016 Rookie Draft.
