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Belfast Live
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Paddy Tierney

Tyrone star Conor McKenna set to sign with AFL side Brisbane Lions

Tyrone's All-Ireland winning forward Conor McKenna will join AFL side Brisbane Lions, according to reports in Australia.

The Eglish native departed the Tyrone squad following a difficult 2022 campaign and has been linked to a host of clubs in recents weeks.

McKenna joined Essendon Bombers on his previous stint in the AFL and played over 70 times for the Melbourne club.

Read more: Donegal legend Michael Murphy announces shock retirement from inter-county football

However, he made no secret of his desire to return home and play senior football for Tyrone and he linked up with the Red Hands ahead of the 2020 season.

The following year, under the new management of Feargal Logan and Brian Dooher, Tyrone won their fourth All-Ireland title with McKenna scoring two goals in the semi-final win over Kerry and as well setting up a goal for Darren McCurry in the decider against Mayo.

Tyrone's Conor McKenna won the Sam Maguire with the Red Hands in 2021 (©INPHO/James Crombie)

This season didn’t go to plan for Tyrone, however, as they lost their Ulster and All-Ireland titles following back-to-back defeats to rivals Derry and Armagh.

McKenna was sent off late in the preliminary round win over Fermanagh, but had his red card overturned, before picking up two yellows in the loss to Derry in Healy Park.

He plundered a stunning early goal against the Orchard County in the Athletic Grounds, but Tyrone fell to a six-point loss to their neighbours.

Not long after their season ended, McKenna exited the panel and stated his desire to return to Australia.

His former club Essendon, Geelong and St Kilda were all linked with the 26-year-old, but it appears as though Brisbane have won the race for his signature. The club will be able to recruit him via the pre-season supplemental selection period.

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