All-Ireland winner Conor McKenna is through to the second consecutive AFL Grand Final of his career after helping the Brisbane Lions to complete a sensational comeback victory 85-95 against Geelong in the first preliminary final at the MCG.
McKenna was initially named in the Lions starting 18 but was subsequently relegated to substitute after fulfilling the same role in the Lions stunning semi-final defeat of the Greater Western Sydney Giants last week.
The Lions remarkably overturned a 44-point deficit against GWS and today they proved themselves as the comeback kings of the AFL again after overturning a 25-point deficit against Geelong to lead by two points at three-quarter time when McKenna was brought on as replacement for ruckman Oscar McInerney who went off with a serious shoulder injury.
The Eglish man gave the Lions more run and carry off the half-back flank as Brisbane dominated. But Geelong were far from finished. Midway through the fourth quarter they levelled the scores before two late Brisbane goals settled the contest.
In a sad postscript, Portloaise legend Zach Tuohy, was denied the opportunity to become the first Irishman to win two AFL Premierships.
Tuohy, who was dropped, retires as the record holder for the most number of AFL appearances by an Irish player.
Mayo speedster Oisin Mullin put a shift in across all four quarters in the Cats defence.
The Lions will play the Sydney Swans in next Saturday’s AFL Grand Final at the MCG.
