Lions lure Irishman McKenna to AFL club

Former Essendon defender Conor McKenna. (Sports Media Image/Marcel Berens)

THE Brisbane Lions’ productive off-season has got even better with former Essendon speedster Conor McKenna choosing the AFL premiership contenders.

After landing Hawthorn premiership forward Jack Gunston and Western Bulldogs star Josh Dunkley during the trade period, the Lions will bring McKenna out of retirement.

McKenna called it quits from the AFL at the end of 2020, returning to Ireland after 79 games for the Bombers.

But the 26-year-old will again leave Gaelic football, opting to join the Lions after also weighing up a return to Essendon and moves to St Kilda and Port Adelaide.

“We see Conor being a player who further improves our list, particularly as he adds both run and speed,” Lions football boss Danny Daly said.

(C) AAP