Former Essendonย defender Conor McKenna is reportedly looking to return to Australia to play AFL in 2023 after stepping away from the game after the 2020 season to return to his family in Ireland.
The small defender struggled to break into Essendon's side in his final season, having only played six games after a 22-game season in 2019.
But the now 26-year-old has shown previously he can be a vital run-and-dash half back, having at one point in 2019 had a 35-disposal game along with plenty of mid-20 disposal performances.
With all this in mind, we examine five potential landing spots for Conor McKenna.
3. Brisbane Lions
Prior to McKenna's departure in 2020, the Lions had tried to lure him away from Essendon with a four year-deal in 2017, which was knocked back in favour of him staying at the Bombers.
Now, the Lions could be a potential suitor for him in 2023, with 32-year-old Daniel Rich starting to reach the back end of his career.
McKenna would provide healthy competition to youngsters James Madden and Noah Answerth, and could also be an ideal partner in the side to Keidean Coleman who has been a revelation this season.
Both Coleman and McKenna would bring brilliant pace and ball use to the Lions squad and could be a very dangerous duo in 2023.
The Lions could once again reaffirm their interest in the small defender and bring him to Brisbane next year.
