Tue Sep 24 04:09:55 UTC 2024: ## Brisbane Lions Midfielder Confident Despite Ruckman Loss Ahead of Grand Final
Brisbane Lions midfielder Josh Dunkley is confident his team can overcome the loss of ruckman Oscar McInerney and claim victory in Saturday’s AFL Grand Final against the Sydney Swans.
Dunkley, who won a premiership with the Western Bulldogs in 2016, drew parallels between this year’s campaign and that victory, highlighting the Lions’ ability to overcome adversity and ride a wave of momentum.
“It’s either the best day of your life, or the worst,” Dunkley said, referring to the pressure of grand final day. “You dare to dream… it feels like a lot of similarities (to 2016) but we all know you’ve got to go and do your job.”
While acknowledging the Swans’ dominance this season, Dunkley stressed the Lions’ current form and ability to rise to the challenge.
McInerney’s shoulder injury, suffered in last week’s preliminary final, is a major blow for the Lions. Dunkley expressed sympathy for his teammate, but remained confident in the team’s ability to adapt, citing the contributions of Darcy Fort and Henry Smith as potential replacements.
“It’s a massive out for us, but he’s been a huge supporter of us and there’s a hard luck story every year,” Dunkley said. “The biggest thing for me, on grand final day with 23 players contributing it’s going to be a very hard team to beat and that’s what we had in 2016.”
The Lions will fly to Melbourne on Wednesday, a day earlier than last year, to prepare for the grand final. Dunkley believes this will allow the team to acclimate and focus on the game ahead.
“Did feel a little bit rushed, so we’ve worked it out from experience and it’ll help us get settled in, two runs there and embrace grand final week and what it means,” he said.
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