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AFL round-up: Conor McKenna’s Brisbane Lions stage stunning comeback to snatch preliminary final spot

Tyrone man’s team were 44 points down against GWS Giants for whom Callum Brown did not feature

Conor McKenna and Charlie Cameron of the Lions celebrate after the siren during the 2024 AFL First Semi Final match between the GWS GIANTS and the Brisbane Lions at ENGIE Stadium on September 14, 2024 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images)
Conor McKenna and Charlie Cameron of the Lions celebrate after the siren during the 2024 AFL First Semi Final match between the GWS GIANTS and the Brisbane Lions at ENGIE Stadium on September 14, 2024 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Dylan Burns/AFL Photos via Getty Images) (Dylan Burns/AFL Photos/AFL Photos via Getty Images)
By AHMER KHOKHAR

Conor McKenna’s Brisbane Lions produced one of the greatest finals comebacks in AFL history yesterday to beat the Greater Western Sydney Giants 100-105 at Engie Stadium.

The Lions came from 44 points down mid-way through the third quarter to win a pulsating semi-final and snatch a preliminary final spot against Geelong at the MCG next Saturday.

After initially been named in Brisbane’s starting 18, McKenna was eventually named as their substitute.

The Tyrone Sam Maguire winner replaced teammate Logan Morris in the third quarter but struggled to impact the game. McKenna finished with only 6 disposals and 1 mark off the halfback flank.

The Eglish speedster only played in 14 of Brisbane’s 23 league matches this year after breaking down with two hamstring injuries in pre-season and again in round two.

He was dropped in round 20 after losing form but after regaining his swagger in the reserves produced a solid four quarter effort in the Lions 87-67 victory over Essendon at the Gabba in their final match of the league campaign. At this stage, however, McKenna is no longer a first-choice starter for Brisbane.

Former Derry underage footballer Callum Brown, 24, appears to be completely out in the cold at GWS.

The Limavady man was in the form of his life in the first half of the season but since round 17 in July has only managed one brief cameo as a substitute.

Despite missing out on a place in the Grand Final, Limavady man Callum Brown has established himself as a mainstay of the GWS Giants this season in the AFL
Callum Brown is facing an uncertain future with the GWS Giants after failing to make the squad for their AFL Semi Final against Brisbane Lions

Earlier this week respected AFL journalist Mitch Cleary suggested that Brown could be traded to another AFL club or could even request a move in the off-season.

After securing a double-chance, the Giants gave up a 28-point lead against the Sydney Swans in last week’s qualifying final and appeared to be in an unassailable position against Brisbane before another fourth quarter fadeout ended their finals campaign in straight sets.

On Friday, Meath’s Conor Nash was on the young Hawthorn team who lost their semi-final away to Port Adelaide at The Adelaide Oval.

Playing their thrilling version of ‘Hok’ Ball this season, Hawthorn have been the best side in the competition since round nine.

Hawthorn skipper James Sicily hit the post with a long-range set shot that would have won the game in the final minute, but Port held on to set up a preliminary final date with the Sydney Swans at the SCG next Friday.

Nash collected 19 disposals (9 kicks & 10 handballs), 2 marks, and 9 tackles.