Conor McKenna Joins Elite Group with AFL Premiership Win

Conor McKenna has made history by becoming only the second player ever to secure both an All-Ireland and an AFL Premiership, following Brisbane Lions‘ dominant victory over Sydney Swans in the grand final held at Melbourne Cricket Ground. This win was marked by an impressive scoreline of 18.12 (120) to 9.6 (60), and was witnessed by a crowd of 100,013 onlookers.

The Lions’ triumph marks their first AFL Premiership title in 21 years, a significant achievement celebrated extensively by the Brisbane team and their supporters. “Losing last year by a kick, and to come home like we did, I’m so proud of this club and this group,” said Lions co-captain Lachie Neale as he accepted the trophy.

McKenna’s journey to this prestigious win has been notable. After joining Essendon in 2014 and navigating setbacks, including contracting Covid-19 during the 2020 lockdowns, the 28-year-old returned to his home county of Tyrone in Ireland. There, he won an All-Ireland medal in 2021 before resuming his AFL career with Brisbane Lions. His decision to rejoin the Australian Football League two years ago has evidently paid off, allowing him to join Tadhg Kennelly as the only two players to have won both titles.

Saturday’s victory sealed Brisbane’s fourth premiership trophy since the AFL became a national competition in 1990. Coach Chris Fagan, at 63, became the oldest coach to win an AFL Grand Final. “Somehow a team that finished fifth on the ladder and had to play every week has managed to win the flag,” Fagan remarked, pointing to the team’s challenging path through sudden-death playoffs against Carlton, Greater Western Sydney, and Geelong.

Despite their defeat, Sydney Swans captain Dane Rampe praised his team for reaching the grand final. “We fell short today, but we should be proud of our achievement of getting back in there,” Rampe stated.

Post-match, celebrations featured performances from prominent entertainers, including American singer Katy Perry, adding to the festive atmosphere at the Melbourne Cricket Ground.