Irish defender Conor McKenna has been selected for the Brisbane Lions in their ANZAC Day blockbuster against the GWS GIANTS at Manuka Oval in Canberra.

McKenna returns after being sidelined with a hamstring strain since the Lions’ Round 1 clash against Fremantle.

The 28-year-old was on the flight to the Nation’s capital along with Darcy Fort who comes into the side for the injured Oscar McInerney, who is out due to concussion.

Fort, a quality ruck-forward, has produced some strong performances in the VFL for the Brisbane Lions.

Veteran midfielder Jarryd Lyons, who started as last week’s substitute, goes out of the side to make way for McKenna.

The Lions have named McKenna on the interchange with Kai Lohmann, Callum Ah Chee, James Tunstill and Noah Answerth.

Lyons, Henry Smith and Darragh Joyce are the three emergencies for Brisbane.