All-Ireland winner makes sensational GAA club return after Aussie Rules final snub
The attacker has reportedly been offered a one-year contract extension in Australia but he was on club duty at intermediate level on home soil
Tyrone football fans may well be getting excited about the 2026 season after AFL star Conor McKenna returned to club action in the county on Sunday night. The Eglish man was an integral part of Tyrone's 2021 All-Ireland winning side after opting to leave his Aussie Rules career during the pandemic.
In the wake of that Sam Maguire triumph, McKenna returned to the professional AFL career in Australia and was with the Brisbane Lions last season as they won the AFL, and again this season. He is one of only two men to win both an AFL Grand Final and an All-Ireland senior title, alongside Kerry hero Tadhg kennelly who starred for the Sydney Swans in Australia. The Lions won the AFL Grand Final last weekend but McKenna was not part of the squad and returned to Ireland in recent days.
McKenna has already spoken of his desire to play for the Red Hands once again. He was named among the subs for Eglish's Connolly's of Moy Intermediate Championship semi-final clash on Sunday night against Moy. The 29-year-old was listed as number 26 in the matchday programme, coming off the bench to land a point for his club as they booked their place in the county IFC final.
Recent reports in Australia claim McKenna has been offered a one year deal to remain with Brisbane for the 2026 season, but Tyrone fans will certainly hope he stays on Irish soil to spearhead a quest for Ulster and All-Ireland titles for Malachy O'Rourke's Red Hands.
McKenna managed only five AFL appearances in 2025 after struggling with injuries. After playing 79 games for Essendon before heading home during the coronavirus>Covid pandemic, McKenna has added 49 games for Brisbane since returning to the AFL ahead of the 2023 season.