Brisbane Lions defender Conor McKenna says he has returned to a way more “competitive” AFL after spending the previous two years enjoying Gaelic soccer in Ireland.
Following the completion of the 2020 AFL season, Northern Irishman McKenna left his then membership Essendon to return residence to renew his Gaelic soccer profession with Tyrone.
However, having received an All-Ireland senior soccer championship remaining, McKenna was eager to have one other AFL stint and so joined the Lions forward of the present season.
“I’ve been playing amateur football for the last two years, so it makes you appreciate what you had over here (as a professional),” he stated.
Five video games into Brisbane’s 2023 marketing campaign, McKenna appears to have cemented a spot within the Lions’ high 22.
“There’s a lot for me to improve on; holding my position, that’s the main thing each week,” the 27-year-old pace service provider stated.
“It’s my job to keep (my spot).”
McKenna has been pleasantly shocked by the evolution of a beforehand “predictable” AFL competitors.
“It’s a lot more competitive; you don’t really know who’s going to win. The first five rounds have showed that,” he stated.
“Teams get beaten by underdogs. It’s a real hard one to predict this year. When I was here (with Essendon) it was probably a bit more predictable, but it makes it more exciting for fans and people to watch.”
Proof of that unpredictability is reigning premiers Geelong having began the season with three straight losses earlier than discovering type with back-to-back wins, and the Bombers’ higher than anticipated begin to the season with 4 wins and one loss.
The Lions – who meet the GWS Giants in Canberra on Saturday – additionally suffered an surprising opening-round drubbing towards a rampant Port Adelaide, however have received three of their subsequent 4 video games.
“It wasn’t a great start to the season, but it’s a marathon, not a sprint,” McKenna stated.
“We’ve got our feet back on the ground in the last couple of weeks and it’s paved the way we want to play.”
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
