Brisbane have confirmed a surprise list change ahead of next month’s AFL draft, parting ways with forward Lincoln McCarthy, though it’s not quite the end of his Lions story.
The club has delisted the 30-year-old but committed to re-selecting him via the rookie draft as he continues his recovery from a second ACL injury in less than a year.
McCarthy hasn’t featured at AFL level since Round 8 last season, having torn his ACL for the second time in 10 months earlier this year. His delisting is a strategic move rather than a farewell, allowing Brisbane to keep him in their long-term plans while managing list flexibility heading into 2026.
Irish duo stay put as Lions tweak list
The reigning premiers also confirmed that Irish pair Conor McKenna and Darragh Joyce have inked new deals with the club. McKenna, who played in last season’s flag as the starting substitute, managed only five senior appearances in 2025, while Joyce remained on the fringes as an emergency for both of Brisbane’s premiership wins.
“Both Conor and Darragh continue to work hard, and their new contract is due reward for their effort,” Brisbane GM Danny Daly said in a club statement. “They are determined to put in a solid pre-season and continue to push for AFL selection in 2026, which we look forward to.”
The Lions’ off-season has already seen a number of moves, including the arrivals of Sam Draper and Oscar Allen, but McCarthy’s unconventional exit may prove the most significant.