AFL: Tyrone's Conor McKenna signs two-year extension at Brisbane Lions

McKenna has played every game possible during Brisbane’s 2023 campaign.

STAYING PUT: Conor McKenna. Pic: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

Former Tyrone footballer Conor McKenna has committed his future to the Brisbane Lions after signing a new two-year contract to remain at Brighton Homes Arena until the end of the 2025 season.

The 27-year-old initially joined the Queensland Club as an off-season recruit last November after two years out of Aussie Rules to return to Gaelic Football and help his native Tyrone win the All-Ireland Football title in 2021.

McKenna, who nominated the Lions as his preferred club during the pre-season Supplemental Selection Period (SSP), has played every game possible during Brisbane’s 2023 campaign.

In doing so, McKenna has become a key reason the Lions finished top four in the regular season while on defensive duties and are playing off in a Preliminary Final this weekend.

“It’s a really exciting time to be involved with the Brisbane Lions and I can’t wait to see what we achieve this year and across the next two years,” McKenna said.

“I said when I first signed with the Club that I came to the Lions because I wanted to be part of a team that was in the premiership window and that I could hopefully help them take the next step.

“We have had a fantastic season as a Club so far and hopefully we can finish it with something special.” McKenna’s run and drive off the half-back line has been a strength of his game, booting six goals to date.

Brisbane Lions General Manager Football, Danny Daly, said McKenna thoroughly deserved his new contract off the back of almost 12 months of solid hard work.

“Conor has been a brilliant recruit for our Club as a player and as a person, and we are thrilled to have him remain as a Brisbane Lion for at least the next two years,” he said.

“We knew when we first signed Conor that he would really help strengthen our list, but he has probably exceeded expectations with the impact he has had.

“After not playing AFL for two years we thought it would take a while to find his feet, though he hit the ground running in the first game of the season and has continued to build on it ever since.

“Conor will not only play a big role in the rest of our 2023 finals campaign he will also be a key to further success for the Brisbane Lions in the next two years.” Brisbane Lions will host Carlton in their home Preliminary Final at the Gabba on Saturday and will be hoping for a place in the AFL Grand Final on Saturday week.