Essendon's Irish defender Conor McKenna announces his immediate retirement from the AFL after 79 matches, having endured a COVID-19 scare and a struggle with homesickness in 2020.
Conor McKenna says the "time is right" for him to retire and return home to IrelandHe tested positive for COVID-19 in June, but returned two negative tests soon afterstruggled with homesickness after a COVID-19 scareThe Irishman, who played Gaelic football for County Tyrone's minor side, has played six seasons in the AFL and kicked 20 goals."I do really feel the time is now right for me to return home to Ireland," McKenna said in a statement.
"I've made no secret of the fact that at some point, I'd want to be returning home to my family and I've been weighing up the decision recently. "It's been a difficult year for everyone, but it's also been a chance to take stock and weigh up several things in my life, so the time is right. "I will always be grateful for Essendon's support of both myself and my family since I arrived at the club from the other side of the world at the end of 2014."
McKenna tested positive for coronavirus in June and was placed in isolation, but was released after nine days following two subsequent negative tests.
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
'Get ready for the worst spectacle we've ever seen'The Gabba will host the 2020 AFL grand final, however there are concerns that the humid, subtropical climate in Brisbane, especially at night, may not be best for kicking a Sherrin. 👀 9WWOS
Read more »
Damning AFL image sparks angry responseEssendon stars have been roasted after an ugly image emerged during the middle of their hapless loss against Geelong on Sunday.
Read more »
Melbourne misses chance to join AFL finalists, losing to Freo in sodden Cairns clashThe Demons squander a golden opportunity to climb into the AFL top eight, as they are taken down by Fremantle 6.11 (47) to 4.9 (33).
Read more »
Harris Andrews' injury could ruin the Brisbane Lions' AFL premiership chancesA hamstring injury will sideline Andrews for five to six weeks, an absence that may be long enough to cruel the Lions' hope of winning their first flag in 17 years, writes Grandstand AFL commentator Alister Nicholson.
Read more »
St Kilda beats Hawthorn to edge closer to breaking AFL finals droughtNot since 2011 have the Saints contested the AFL finals, but a 14-point win over the Hawks on the Gold Coast has them on the cusp of securing a berth.
Read more »
AFL: Dane Swan torches Victorian premier Daniel AndrewsDane Swan has delivered a withering attack on Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews after he extended Victoria’s lockdown.
Read more »