Tyrone’s Conor McKenna set to make AFL history with Brisbane Lions

"Hopefully we can finish it with something special."

Former Tyrone star Conor McKenna returned to the AFL this year with the Brisbane Lions, and it is proving to be a huge success for club and player. The Eglish clubman had spent five years playing in the AFL for Essendon before deciding to return home and pursue his dream of winning an All-Ireland title with Tyrone. That dream was achieved in just his second season back, as he helped his county win their fourth ever title, and his semi-final performance against Kerry where he scored two incredible goals stands out in particular. However after a disappointing season the following year, McKenna decided he wanted to go back to the life of a professional athlete in Australia, so Brisbane Lions took a chance, and signed him on a one year contract. This decision has paid off ten-fold as the flying forward has been in scintillating form, scoring seven goals so far, including a vital one against Carlton in the preliminary finals. Now with the Brisbane Lions set to play in the Grand Final, the team were quick to nail down their Irish star on a longer contract, offering him another two years.

"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 told the Brisbane Lions website.

"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."

Brisbane Lions manager Danny Daly praised McKenna after the Tyrone-man earned a new contract with the club.

"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," said Daly.

"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."

McKenna won't be the first Tyrone native to feature in the AFL Grand Final, with Aidan Cork holding that privilege, but he could be the first Tyronian to win it and a senior All-Ireland title.

Related links:

• Conor McKenna set to return to the AFL in huge blow for Tyrone
• Irish infusion turns AFL team inside out on way to this weekend's Grand final
• Former Derry underage star Callum Brown makes decision on AFL future