Conor McKenna showcased his class when he kicked a stunning first quarter-goal to help the Brisbane Lions return to winning ways against the Sydney Swans in front of 28,561 supporters at the Gabba in round 14 of the AFL season on Friday.
The Tyrone speedster sprinted down the wing, turned his Sydney Swans opponent inside out, and finished in between the big sticks. The Lions 97-81 win cemented their place in the top four of the season ladder, with ten rounds of the home and away season remaining until finals.
The Lions notched victory number 25 out of their past 29 matches their Gabba fortress but they will have to start winning at the Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG) if they are to be considered as one of the favourites to win the premiership in September.
And Brisbane are only one win ahead of sides 5-7 on the ladder so there is no room for complacency or they could easily slip out of the top four heading to the business end of the season.
McKenna finished the game with 18 disposals (14 kicks & 4 handballs) and 2 marks before being substituted in the fourth quarter.
- Conor McKenna seeking contract extension with Brisbane Lions
On Thursday, Kerry’s Mark O’Connor booted a rare goal in his 100th game for Geelong who lost 110-72 to ladder leaders Port Adelaide in front of 36,316 supporters at The Adelaide Oval.
The defending premiers led by as much as 21-points (6 points for a goal) but Port flipped the game on it’s head by booting seven unanswered goals in the third quarter to set up their eleventh consecutive win.
Geelong, who have slumped to 12th on the season ladder with a 6-7 record, now have their work cut out to qualify for finals football. On current form there is no guarantee they will make the top eight given their tough draw and their prospects of finishing in the top four have all but evaporated.
O’Connor collected 18 disposals (11 kicks & 7 handballs) and 8 marks. Portlaoise star Zach Tuohy, was named as one of the visitor’s best-on-ground players for his match tally of 24 disposals (14 kicks & 10 handballs), 4 marks, and one behind.
On Saturday, Derry defender Callum Brown booted two goals for Greater Western Sydney in their 106-36 demolition of Fremantle at Giants Stadium in Sydney.
Brown is the most improved Irish player in the AFL this season and his consistency has resulted in him becoming one of the first names on the GWS team sheet every week. His future could be in the GWS forward line where he has made a name for himself with his trademark long-range goals in recent weeks.
Brown collected 16 disposals (11 kicks & 5 handballs), 8 marks, and two behinds.
On Sunday, Tyrone-born Aidan Corr played for second-bottom North Melbourne in their 84-105 defeat to Saint Kilda witnessed by 23,829 supporters at Melbourne’s Marvel Stadium. Corr tallied 12 disposals (6 kicks & 6 handballs) and 3 marks in defence.
