Tyrone All-Ireland winner Conor McKenna signs new two-year deal with Brisbane Lions

McKenna, 30, joined the Lions in late 2022 having returned to Ireland for two years following six seasons with Essendon.

CHAMPION: Tyrone's Conor McKenna of the Brisbane Lions celebrate victory after winning the AFL Grand Final against Fremantle Dockers and at Melbourne Cricket Ground on Saturday. Pic: Morgan Hancock/AFL Photos/via Getty Images

Mon, 26 Oct, 2026 - 11:25

John Fogarty

Conor McKenna has signed a new two-year contract with the Brisbane Lions.

Tyrone’s 2021 All-Ireland SFC winner recently claimed an AFL Premiership with the Queensland outfit.

McKenna, 30, joined the Lions in late 2022 having returned to Ireland for two years following six seasons with Essendon. The Eglish man has made 149 AFL appearances and his score against Collingwood in August was crowned goal of the year.

McKenna, who was initially offered a one-year deal, had indicated his intention to remain with the Lions after his outgoing agreement elapsed following their dramatic Grand Final win over the Fremantle Dockers last month.

“Yeah, hopefully (I’ll be here next year),” he said. “I still want to come back. I’m happy to come back, so we’ll see what happens.”

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He signs the extension along with team-mates Darcy Fort and Lincoln McCarthy. “It is fantastic to have Darcy, Conor and Linc committed to the Brisbane Lions as they have all played an important role in our success and will continue to do so,” said Lions general Danny Daly.

“All three offer plenty on field as players, and their experience and leadership are also incredibly valuable – especially in supporting our younger players. We look forward to having all three players and their families continue to be part of the Brisbane Lions.”

McKenna’s fellow Irishman Darragh Joyce was delisted from the Lions last week. The 29-year-old Kilkenny man, who played three games in 2026, is assessing his options after eight seasons in Australia including four with St Kilda.