After not being selected for the Opals 2002 World Championship squad, McInerny sat out the 2002-03 WNBL season, stating she did not have a life outside basketball coupled with her inability to make the national team. Despite being viewed as a key defender and court leader, McInerny's national progress was hindered by her inability to score. After the Opals lost to New Zealand for the first time in early 2008, McInerny was dropped from Australian team. In November 2008, McInerny stated that the disappointment of missing out on selection for three Olympic Games (2000 in Sydney, 2004 in Athens and 2008 in Beijing), dampened her enthusiasm and motivation for the game. After missing out on Opals selection for the 2008 Olympic Games, McInerny announced her retirement from WNBL competition at the end of 2008/09 season.