CONOR MCKENNA COULD feature in his second consecutive Australian Rules Grand Final, after his Brisbane Lions team defeated Geelong Cats 95-85. However, the long and distinguished career of Zach Tuohy, the record-holder of AFL appearances for any Irish player, has come to an end after he was left off the team.

The loss for Geelong spells the end of Zach Tuohy’s career in the AFL, the Laois man having confirmed in August that he would retire at the end of the club’s 2024 campaign. The 34-year-old, who was omitted from Saturday’s squad, holds the record for the most AFL appearances by an Irish-born player having overtaken Jim Stynes’ tally in 2023.

Tyrone's Conor McKenna will have another chance of securing a Premiership medal following a thrilling 95-85 preliminary final win over Geelong as Zach Tuohy's AFL career came to a disappointing end.

Tyrone’s Conor McKenna could be set to play in his second consecutive AFL Grand Final following Brisbane Lions’ 95-85 victory over Geelong Cats on Saturday. The thrilling clash, which was played before a 93,066 crowd at the MCG, marked an end to the fantastic career of Zach Tuohy who holds the record for most AFL appearances by an Irish player.

The Cats and Lions meet at the MCG with a place in the AFL grand final up for grabs. Join Craig Little for updates

Brisbane ruckman Oscar McInerney will be the heartbreak story of the Lions' second grand final appearance in as many years after dislocating his shoulder.

Will Geelong secure another grand final clash with Sydney Swans or will the Lions cause the upset and book a return to the season decider after falling just short last year.