The Brisbane Lions have re-signed Irishmen Conor McKenna and Darragh Joyce on one-year deals for 2026, while also de-listing Lincoln McCarthy but vowing to bring him back in the rookie draft. In their final round of list changes before next month’s AFL draft, the Lions announced on Friday that McKenna and Joyce will both be beck next season.
McKenna has played 49 games for Brisbane (and 79 for Essendon), including the Lions’ triumphant grand final in 2024. He also played in the losing decider in 2023, and didn’t win selection for this year’s grand final win over Geelong.
“It’s great to re-sign for 2026 and I’m really looking to another big season,” the 29-year-old said in a statement. “I’ve loved my three years at the club so far, both on and off the field, which made it an easy decision to stay on.
“I’ve also been lucky enough to play in a premiership with the club, which was one of the main reasons I wanted to come to the Lions to begin with, and hopefully we can experience further success.”
Connor McKenna (bottom left) has re-signed with the Brisbane Lions. (Photo by Daniel Pockett/AFL Photos/Getty Images)
Darragh Joyce coming back in 2026 as well
McKenna is the third premiership player to re-commit to the Lions in recent days, with Will and Levi Ashcroft both signing long-term extensions recently. Dual Norm Smith medallist Will is now under contract until the end of 2030, as is brother Levi.
Joyce has played 13 games for the Lions since arriving from St Kilda in 2023. “It feels great to re-sign because it is amazing just to be part of this special group,” he said.
“I love the group, love the boys and rocking up to the club every day, so it was an easy decision to re-sign as I am not ready to give up those locker room vibes just yet. As a club we would love to get back to the finals again and personally I would love to get a taste of that too.”
Lions general manager of football Danny Daly said: “Both Conor and Darragh continue to work hard, and their new contract is due reward for their effort. They are determined to put in a solid pre-season and continue to push for AFL selection in 2026 which we look forward to.”
Connor McKenna and Darragh Joyce will both be back in 2026. Image: Getty
Brisbane Lions hoping to re-sign Zac Bailey as well
It completes the back-to-back premiers’ roster moves before next month’s draft and rookie draft. Brandon Starcevich has moved to West Coast via trade, while Callum Ah Chee is still expected to get to the Crows via the rookie draft after a trade between Brisbane and Adelaide couldn’t be struck.
Deven Robertson will also move to the Eagles, while Sam Day has retired. Darcy Craven and Brandon Ryan have been de-listed and will seek opportunities at other clubs. Ryan only played one game for the Lions at AFL level, while Craven never broke into the top side.
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The Lions will be hoping to add Zac Bailey to their recent contract extensions. Bailey’s management have revealed there’s been interest from “almost every club” in the premiership-winning half-forward, who comes off contract next season.
Leading reporter Callum Twomey revealed last month that Essendon are coming hardest to try and lure Bailey away from Brisbane. The Bombers are said to be preparing a “mega offer” for Bailey worth a reported $1.3 million per year across six or more seasons.
Brisbane’s list manager Dom Ambrogio said during the trade period: “Absolute priority for us is to sign and extend Zac Bailey. There is no question about that. We have had some discussions, (but) we did agree that the best time for these discussions would be in the off-season.
“That’s what we’ve traditionally done (with Zac for) the last two extensions he’s done. We’ll get through the trade period and that will be job number one to sit down with the guys from Mac’s Sports.”