Geelong are said to be favourites in a three-club race to sign former Essendon defender Conor McKenna ahead of next season.
Geelong, Port Adelaide and Brisbane have all been linked to the Irishman in recent months after it was revealed McKenna was looking to return to the AFL following his departure from the Bombers in 2020.
McKenna departed the league in favour of a return home after battling homesickness, ending his 79-game career in the red sash abruptly.
After plying his trade with Gaelic club Tyrone in recent years, McKenna has turned his attention back toward the AFL, but football isn't the only attractive career move the 26-year-old has his sights on.
According toย News Corp, McKenna is hopeful of moving into horse training post-career, and may do so down under.
The publication's report suggests the Cats are well-placed to meet McKenna's desires, potentially offering a multi-year contract while the flanker could link up with a Geelong-based horse trainer too.
A move to Kardinia Park for McKenna would further strengthen Cats list manager Andrew Mackie's stellar off-season period, having also secured Tanner Bruhn, Oliver Henry, Jack Bowes and Pick 7 through the trade period.
Mackie confirmed during the exchange window that the club had put talks with McKenna on hold, but were expecting to rekindle their interest deeper into the off-season.
"We've spoken to (McKenna) throughout the year, albeit a while ago," Mackie told AFL Trade Radio earlier this month.
"We've got people in our footy club who have dealt with him in the past atย Essendon,ย James Kellyย being one of them, and were complimentary about Conor.
"We've had a discussion about him, he can come on as a rookie list player, so that's attractive.
"There hasn't been much discussed about Conor for a little while. We have spoken throughout the year (and) I'm sure we'll pick up that conversation with where he's at and what he's thinking."
McKenna could join Geelong through the draft avenues, or more likely as a Supplementary Selection Period pick-up.
Both Port Adelaide and Brisbane are said to still be showing interest in the Irishman, who may need to table multi-year offers to McKenna to strengthen their bid for the defender.
