Essendon have confirmed that Irish defender Conor McKenna will return to training with the Bombers this week after a completing a short break in Ireland to deal with homesickness.
The 23-year-old speedster's future was uncertain when he returned to his hometown Eglish in County Tyrone Ireland, however the club gave him space to spend time with his family before resuming contact to discuss his intentions in 2020.
Essendon's Conor McKenna.Credit:Getty Images
McKenna, who has played 73 games in four seasons since making his debut for Essendon, said in a statement he was "looking forward to returning to training in the coming days."
The Bombers' football manager Dan Richardson said the players would return to training early this week once their four day break following a win over West Coast last Thursday night.
"We remained in constant communication with Conor and his family, he continues to have our full support," Richardson said.
"We look forward to Conor returning to training mid this week alongside the entire squad following their short break."
McKenna finished fourth in the Bombers' best and fairest in 2019 and formed a lethal running duo with Adam Saad off half back. He then played Gaelic football in the off-season with his local club in Ireland without telling the Bombers.
Peter Ryan is a sports reporter with The Age covering AFL, horse racing and other sports.