Brisbane is the front-runner for Conor McKenna, according to SEN’s Sam Edmund.
Channel 7’s Mitch Cleary reported on Tuesday that St Kilda had entered the race for the former Essendon defender.
While their interest is seen as real, it is understood that the Lions are still at the front of the queue.
Edmund reported on SEN Breakfast on Wednesday morning that the 26-year-old Irishman is likely to land at the Gabba.
“I know Mitch Cleary last night reported that St Kilda had emerged as a late contender for Conor McKenna,” Edmund said.
“I don’t have much visibility on that. That’s obviously the case though, that they’ve got an interest.
“Everything I’m hearing is that Brisbane is the front-runner now, or still at the front of the queue. They were among the most interested as soon as it became clear McKenna wanted to return to resurrect his career in Australia, along with Geelong and Port Adelaide as well.
“But I think it’s going to be Brisbane. That’s where I’ve got my flag in the ground, at the Gabba.
“There’s a link there and a familiar face in Brisbane in the form of Joe Daniher. Those two have remained in touch.
“Whether he gets picked up in the Supplemental Selection Period and if that’s the case it can go on for months, or the rookie draft as well, remains to be seen.
“I think it’s going to be Brisbane.
“The early indication was that when he was coming back he wanted to come back in Melbourne but I don’t think that’s the case.
“I think Brisbane are right in it up to their eyeballs and he’d be a nice pick-up back there.”
McKenna played 79 games for the Bombers between 2015 and 2020 before retiring prematurely from the game.
After spending the past two years playing Gaelic football for Tyrone back in his homeland, McKenna is ready to return to Australia and resume his AFL career.
It appears as though that could be with the Lions, but there is clearly other interest from around the league.