Conor McKenna’s future in the AFL is in doubt after he returned to his native after what his club Essendon said was family related reasons and homesickness.
McKenna who is only 23 made his AFL debut with Essendon 7 years ago. He took to the game quite well and has been a massive success at the club. He has been vocal about his homesickness though. Speaking to RTE Sport in 2017 he said, “It’s not really the game that’s the problem, it’s the homesickness. You adjust to the game pretty quick.”
Dan Richardson, General Manager of Essendon said in a statement on Tuesday, “We have been in lengthy discussions with Conor over recent weeks and we are completely supportive of him returning home to be with his family at this time”. The team nicknamed the Bombers said they offer McKenna and his family full support. “We remain in constant communication with both Conor and his family and we will continue to provide our support”.
McKenna caused a bit of controversy last year when he returned home to play with his club Eglish. He scored a vital goal which helped maintained the clubs Division 1 status in a relegation play-off.
It is likely McKenna will turn to the AFL in the coming weeks as he probably just needs a break back in Ireland. He is a top players and if he does decide to stay in Tyrone I am sure Mickey Harte will come calling.
