Conor McKenna has confirmed his future with the Brisbane Lions, putting pen to paper on a fresh extension with the Queensland club.
The Irishman has officially added two years to his Brisbane tenure, with the ex-Bomber now tied to Brisbane until at least the end of the 2025 season.
The 27-year-old previously plied his trade at Essendon, playing 79 games before returning home to Ireland in 2020 after the COVID-19 pandemic restricted his ability to see his family.
However, upon returning to Australia earlier in 2023, McKenna was chased by multiple clubs hoping to acquire his services. He decided on the Lions, going on to play an integral role across the half-backline for Chris Fagan's premiership-contending outfit.
The pacy rebounder is yet to miss a game for the Lions, showing off his incredible dash and precision kicking that has allowed Brisbane to pick apart opponents.
McKenna detailed his excitement at being a part of a team knocking on the door of an anticipated premiership triumph.
"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 via Brisbane Lions Mediaย on Wednesday.
"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 General Manager of Football Danny Daly shared his thoughts on McKenna's recommitment, praising McKenna's worth ethic and impact since his arrival.
"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."
McKenna isn't the only Irishmen to have extended with the Lions, with Darragh Joyce also signing on last week.
McKenna and the Lions host Carlton this Saturday in a preliminary final, hoping to advance to a Grand Final against one of Collingwood or the GWS Giants the following weekend.
