CONOR McKENNA followed in the footsteps of Tadhg Kennelly by winning the AFL Grand Final and the Sam Maguire.
The former Tyrone forward was introduced in the final quarter as Brisbane Lions thumped Sydney Swans.
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And the 2021 All-Ireland SFC winner caught the eye with two marks and three kick disposals in the rout played in front of more than 100,000 fans in Melbourne.
The victory means McKenna becomes only the second player — after Kerry native and former Swan Kennelly — to win Sam Maguire and the AFL Grand Final.
It was the Brisbane Lions’ first Grand Final victory since 2003 as the side atoned for last year’s defeat by Collingwood.
Lions co-captain Lachie Neale said: “Losing last year by a kick and to come home like we did, I’m so proud of this group.
“To get the reward today is worth every heartbreak over the last 13 years.”
Leading at every break and scoring with ease, Brisbane stunned the Swans who slumped to their fourth Grand Final loss under coach John Longmire.
Skipper Dane Rampe groaned: “We fell short. The universe didn’t have it in store for us today.”
