Conor McKenna

Conor McKenna (born 28 March 1996) is an Irish Australian rules footballer playing for the Essendon Football Club in the Australian Football League (AFL).

McKenna was born in County Tyrone, Northern Ireland, and grew up in the village of Benburb near Dungannon. There he played Gaelic football for Eglish St. Patrick's GAC and the Tyrone minors. In 2012, McKenna played a starring role in Tyrone's run to the All-Ireland Minor Football Championship Final.

In December 2013, the then 18-year-old McKenna attracted interest from several AFL clubs when he was spotted at a talent combine in Ireland. Ten months later, on 3 October 2014, Essendon secured McKenna to a two-year deal as a Category B rookie. McKenna made his AFL debut against Richmond at the Melbourne Cricket Ground in round 22, 2015, and kicked a goal with his first kick. McKenna re-signed with Essendon at the end of 2017 with a new four-year contract.

On 20 June 2020, McKenna tested positive for COVID-19. This resulted in the postponement of the match scheduled for the following day between Essendon and Melbourne. One other player was quarantined due to close contact during training. McKenna had another COVID-19 test on 22 June which was confirmed as negative in the evening of 23 June. He remained in quarantine pending a further test later in the week.

Statistics

Statistics are correct to the end of round 23, 2019