Oscar McInerney’s work ethic has paid dividends with the Brisbane Lions rookie earning a debut against the GWS Giants in Round 6.

The ruckman/forward was named on the interchange bench in Senior Coach Chris Fagan’s 22-man team to take on the Giants at Spotless Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

The Lions’ backline will be boosted with the return of Daniel Rich, who has not played since injuring his ankle in Round 1.

Luke Hodge will be rested and midfielder Ryan Bastinac has been omitted.

Since arriving in late 2016, Fagan said no one at the Club has worked harder to improve than McInerney.

“He always plays his role for the team and is highly admired by his teammates for his work ethic and quirky sense of humour,” Fagan said.

McInerney came to the Lions with the 37th pick in the 2016 AFL Rookie Draft after impressing for the Casey Scorpions in the VFL.

At 204 centimetres McInerney is the tallest on the Lions' list. He possesses clean hands and a great ability to take contested marks.

In his first year at the Lions he was recognised as the Best and Fairest player for the Lions' NEAFL side and was a key contributor in the premiership winning team.

Before turning his passion into a profession two years ago, the 23-year-old was a qualified accountant, worked as a shower screen installer and was once delivering Christmas trees.

McInerney told teammates today he was thrilled to have his chance.

“Honestly I love coming here every day. It’s phenomenal to call this my full-time job. I really enjoy working hard and couldn’t think of anything better than getting the opportunity to run out alongside all the boys and play my role for the team,” he said.

Bounce is at 4.35pm on Saturday.

IN: Daniel Rich, Oscar McInerney (AFL debut)

OUT: Luke Hodge (rested), Ryan Bastinac (omitted)