McKenna hopeful of extending Brisbane stay

Tyrone's Conor McKenna celebrates ©INPHO/James Crombie

Former Tyrone star Conor McKenna says he’s hopeful of extending his stay with Brisbane Lions after helping the club secure a second AFL Premiership title.

The 30-year-old, who is out of contract, scored in Brisbane’s comeback victory over Fremantle last Saturday and became the first Irish player to win two AFL Premierships.

Brisbane have offered McKenna a one-year extension, and he is keen to remain in Australia.

“Yeah, hopefully [I’ll be here next year]. I still want to come back,” the 2021 All-Ireland SFC winner is quoted saying by afl.com.au.

“I’m happy to come back, so we’ll see what happens.”

Reflecting on his remarkable AFL journey to date, McKenna added: “If you had said in ‘22 that I’d end playing three Grand Finals and be a two-time premiership player, I would have laughed at you. It’s crazy.”

“But this team is just unbelievable. To come back and back again through adversity, it's just crazy, just unbelievable.”