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Aussie Rules1 min read

GAA star's AFL future in doubt as Premiership champions let contract expire

While many GAA stars are heading to Australia, one could find himself at a loose end.
GAA star's AFL future in doubt as Premiership champions let contract expire

Kilkenny star Darragh Joyce's AFL future is up in the air after Premiership champions Brisbane Lions decided not to renew his contract.

Joyce, a hurler by trade with his club Rower–Inistioge, began his career at St Kilda where he made 13 appearances across six seasons after joining as a category B rookie.

The 29-year-old made the move to the Lions in 2023, playing 11 games in his first two seasons before failing to make a single appearance in 2025.

He bounced back with three outings in 2026, and while he wasn't selected for the final, Joyce played an important role as the Lions won their third title on the spin.

As for Joyce's now-former Lions teammate Conor McKenna, the Tyrone star looks set to be offered a new contract with the Brisbane outfit off the back of an impressive season that saw him score a number of eye-catching goals in the latter stages of the Premiership.

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It was published on October 22, 2026 and last updated on October 23, 2026. The time of the story is shown in your own time zone on the page.

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