Darcy Cameron faces big challenge against in-form Brisbane ruckman Oscar McInerney ahead of AFL Grand Final

Albany-raised Darcy Cameron will put everything on the line when he runs out for arguably the biggest event on the Australian sporting calendar on Saturday, the AFL grand final. Cameron will share ruck duties with Mason Cox ahead of the highly anticipated clash between Collingwood and Brisbane at the MCG. The 28-year-old North Albany junior could be expected to shoulder more responsibility forward of centre following the omission of injured forward Daniel McStay. Magpies coach Craig McRae faces the headache of replacing McStay (MCL injury) while vice-captain Taylor Adams will not be included after failing a fitness test. Versatile swingman Billy Frampton is likely inclusion, having trained in a match simulation on Tuesday alongside Brody Mihocek. Frampton has played 15 games across 2023, his most recent appearance coming against Essendon in round 24. Adams has been ruled out of the decider after experiencing hamstring awareness. Cameron faces the tall task of battling against towering Lions ruckman Oscar McInerney. McInerney was among the Lions’ best in their 16-point win against Carlton in the preliminary final, amassing 38 hit-outs as well as 14 disposals, six marks and 280m gained. Cameron’s proud father Gerard will be watching from the stands on Saturday afternoon with his family and said he was looking forward to a ripping contest. “(Brisbane) are keen to not lock it in, you can see that Oscar (McInerney) tries to whack it clear as much as he can,” he said. “I thought (McInerney) was just about one of their (Lions) best on Saturday. “He (Cameron) and Mason (Cox) have a big job to do. “The other important role will be to have an impact forward with McStay going down. “There is talk here that Frampton might play. “Hopefully Darc and Mason can pop up and kick a goal or two, both can do it and both can take a contested mark down there.” The match will serve as Cameron’s first-ever grand final appearance, having missed out on an opportunity in 2022 after their one-point preliminary final loss to Sydney. The Lions are riding a six-game winning streak against their grand final opponents, including a 24-point victory at Marvel Stadium in round 23 and a 33-point triumph in round four at the Gabba. The Lions’ last defeat to the Magpies came in round five of the 2019 season, a 62-point thumping at the Gabba. The grand final will start at 12.30pm.