Conor McKenna’s father got a bruising introduction to Brisbane’s premiership celebrations when an MCG security guard tackled him to the turf before his son intervened.
Pat McKenna had attempted to run onto the ground following the Lions’ extraordinary grand final win over Fremantle on Saturday.
But his bid to join the celebrations ended with him being brought down by a member of the stadium’s security team.
The Brisbane star then stepped in to explain who his father was during an unexpected interruption to one of the biggest days of his career.
McKenna had helped the Lions storm home to beat the Dockers 96-89, with Brisbane kicking the final four goals to secure a third consecutive premiership.
For his father, however, getting onto the famous ground proved a contest of its own.
Conor McKenna (left) moved to Australia to pursue an AFL career with the Brisbane Lions, while his family, including father Pat (right), remained in Ireland
A security guard brought Pat McKenna to the turf after he attempted to run onto the ground
McKenna celebrated his second AFL premiership as the Lions secured a historic three-peat
The incident added a bizarre chapter to a memorable afternoon for the McKenna family, with Conor celebrating his second AFL premiership after an injury-hit 2025 season limited him to just five appearances.
The Irishman also kicked a goal in Saturday’s decider as Brisbane broke Fremantle hearts in front of 100,023 spectators.
It capped a remarkable finish to the season for the former Tyrone Gaelic football star, who had already pocketed $50,000 after winning the AFL’s Goal of the Year award.
His spectacular effort against Collingwood earned him the prize, and he joked that the money could go towards buying a horse.
That would be a purchase close to his father’s heart, with Pat a horse trainer in Ireland.
But while the family had plenty to celebrate, questions remained over whether McKenna would return to Australia for another season.
The Lions had offered him a contract extension, with the defender weighing up continuing his AFL career or heading home to Ireland with his wife Amy.
Speaking after the grand final, McKenna gave Brisbane supporters reason to hope he would be back.
The bizarre incident unfolded after Brisbane’s thrilling seven-point grand final win over Fremantle
‘Yeah, hopefully [I’ll be here next year]. I still want to come back,’ he said.
‘I’m happy to come back, so we’ll see what happens.’
Those comments followed his indication in July that he was comfortable with either staying in Australia or returning home.
Another deal with Brisbane would delay a potential return to Tyrone, whom he helped the county win the All-Ireland title in 2021.
