AFL 2023: Conor McKenna signs two-year contract with Brisbane Lions

Brisbane expected Conor McKenna to take some time to find his feet after two years out of the game. But the ex-Bomber hit the ground running and is now a key part of the Lions’ future.

Conor McKenna of the Lions.

Revitalised running Brisbane defender Conor McKenna has inked a fresh two-year deal with the club.

McKenna, 27, returned to the AFL this season having departed the Bombers two years earlier to head home to Ireland.

He spurned offers from multiple suitors, including his former club, to land at the Lions where he has played an integral role in their run to Saturday’s preliminary final against Carlton.

“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 left Essendon at the end of 2020 citing a desire to be closer to family after the Covid pandemic heavily impacted his ability to travel freely between Australia and Ireland.

Despite two years out of the game, the Irishman hit the ground running at Brisbane and has added another dimension to the Lions’ run off half-back.

He has played every game this season, averaging 16.9 disposals and forming a dynamic running duo with second-year speedster Darcy Wilmot.

Conor McKenna has re-signed with the Lions. Picture: Albert Perez/AFL Photos via Getty Images

Lions football boss Danny Daly said McKenna had exceeded the club’s expectations in his debut Brisbane campaign.

“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,” Daly 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.”

Originally published as AFL 2023: Conor McKenna signs two-year contract with Brisbane Lions