Justin McInerney Biography

Justin McInerney is the 2020 round 15 AFL Rising Star nominee after collecting 14 disposals and booting two goals in the Swans' upset win over the Demons.

Justin McInerney makes his AFL debut for Sydney at the SCG with 1 disposals (a kick) and 2 tackles in a 22-point loss to Melbourne.

At 17, Justin McInerney wasn't on the radar of AFL clubs. He wasn't on the radar of the Northern Knights, either. Remarkably, he wasn't even playing for Marcellin's first XVIII in school footy.

That was until former Brisbane recruiter Russell Gardner, working casually as a talent ID scout with the Knights, spotted McInerney tearing up a local league game.

18 months later, McInerney is picked up with pick No.44 in the 2018 AFL Draft by Sydney.

"I wasn't even looking at the thought of being drafted back then," McInerney said.

"Even at the start of the year, I just wanted to get on the Knights' list and get a few consecutive games under my belt at TAC Cup level.

"As the year went on, it became a bit more of a reality. It's just been a massive whirlwind."

Sydney select Justin Mcinerney with pick No.44 in the 2018 National Draft.

"He got an opportunity in the pre-season and when he was available, he made an impact. His kicking, running and dash really elevated him," Northern Knights coach Justin Wenke said.