You've heard of an Irish goodbye, but Irishman Conor McKenna could deliver Brisbane a Joe Daniher goodbye following the Grand Final on Saturday.
McKenna has been in fine form for the Lions this finals series, kicking miraculous Gaelic style goals for Brisbane.
AFL Media is reporting that McKenna, 30, is considering heading back home to Ireland should Brisbane win its third straight flag in the Grand Final on Saturday.
This would follow in the footsteps of former Brisbane key forward Joe Daniher who considered retiring after Brisbane lost the 2023 Grand Final against Collingwood. Before officially retiring when the Lions won against Sydney 12 months later.
McKenna claimed the Goal of the Year on Monday night for his wonder soccer goal from the boundary against Collingwood in Round 24 at the MCG.
"If my wife asks it's probably for the house but if I get my way I'll buy a horse probably."
🗣️ Conor McKenna on the $50K prize for winning Coles Goal of the Year#Brownlow pic.twitter.com/kRm9J76O9L
— 7AFL (@7AFL) September 21, 2026
The small forward/utility has had a journeyed career in the AFL starting with Essendon in 2015. The speedy Irishman played 79 games across six seasons before heading home during the pandemic affected 2020 season.
He returned three year later, signing with Brisbane in 2023.
McKenna has since played a further 69 games. The tricky forward's best season has been 2026, with him providing pressure, run and dare inside forward 50 resulting in 24 goals from 20 outings.
He played in the Lions' breakthrough 2024 Grand Final victory over Sydney before missing the 2025 Grand Final victory over Geelong.
The veteran Lion is from the small town of Eglish in County Tyrone in Northern Ireland.
