Conor McKenna has committed his future to the Brisbane Lions with the defender signing a new two-year contract to remain at Brighton Homes Arena until the end of the 2025 season.

The 27-year-old initially joined the Club as an off-season recruit after two years out of the AFL playing Gaelic football in Ireland, following 79 games with Essendon.

McKenna, who nominated the Lions as his preferred Club during the pre-season Supplemental Selection Period (SSP), has played every game possible during Brisbane’s 2023 campaign.

In doing so the Irish defender has become a key reason the Lions finished top four and are playing off in a Preliminary Final.

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Conor From Outside 50

Conor McKenna scores a monster first goal in Lions colours

“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,” Mc Kenna said.

“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.”

McKenna’s run and drive off the half-back line has been a strength of his game, booting six goals and recording an average of 398.1 metres gained – including a standout 622 metres gained against St Kilda.

The Lions defender had little trouble finding the football to average 16.9 disposals with a season-best 26 in his round 23 clash with Collingwood.

He was also valuable without the ball in hand, highlighted by a career-high five tackles in the Round 7 match with Fremantle.

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Press Conference with Conor McKenna and Darragh Joyce

Watch Brisbane's press conference with Irish recruits Conor McKenna and Darragh Joyce.

Brisbane Lions General Manager Football, Danny Daly, said McKenna thoroughly deserved his new contract off the back of almost 12 months of solid hard work.

“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.”