Oscar McInerney was delivering Christmas trees in Victoria a few years ago, now his Christmas has come early with the “Big O” set to play in his first AFL Finals Series.

“No I can’t believe it, living the dream, polar opposites, but can’t wait,” McInerney told lions.com.au.

“I was very lucky that Brisbane threw me a chance to pick me up in the Rookie Draft in 2016 and haven’t looked back since.”

The 24-year-old arrived at the Lions in late 2016 after a strong season with Casey in the VFL Development League.

In his first year at the Club in 2017 the ruckman won the Neville Fallon Award for the Reserves’ Best and Fairest, the same year the Lions won the NEAFL premiership.

In 2018 he made his debut in Round 6 and has been a stable figure in the senior side since.

In his three seasons at the Den, McInerney has played 34 AFL games; is noticeably bigger and his ruck craft has improved out of sight.

He believes the team are ready for their qualifying final match against Richmond next Saturday at the Gabba, after getting a taste of what it’s like to play them after they matched up in Round 23 at the MCG.

“It was a great experience for the boys, just the opportunity to play in front of such a big crowd with such an electric atmosphere and hot contest,” he said.

“It really puts us in good stead for this week.

“Everyone is buzzing around, it’s a new feeling for the group.”