Essendon star announces comeback from out of the blue

After more than two years away from the AFL a former Bombers star has announced he is making a comeback from overseas.

Essendon's Conor McKenna. Photo by Michael Klein.

Former Bombers star Conor McKenna is reportedly set for a return to the AFL.

The Irishman stunned the Bombers in 2020 when he announced his retirement at the age of 24.

After two years playing Gaelic football in Ireland, McKenna reportedly has several AFL clubs interested in him as he aims to make a return in time for the 2023 AFL season.

It was first reported in Ireland that McKenna was leaving his Tyrone club and had informed his teammates of the decision.

Channel 7’s Tom Browne reports several clubs AFL are interested in recruiting McKenna, who has up until November to make a decision.

AFL Media’s Callum Twomey reports Geelong is one of the club’s interested in McKenna where he would potentially join fellow Irishmen Zach Tuohy and Kerry’s Mark O’Connor.

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McKenna caught the footy world by surprise when he left the Bombers despite having another full season left to run on his contract.

He played 79 games for Essendon having joined the club at the end of 2014.

Conor McKenna of the Bombers in action. Picture: Mark Stewart

He was very open about feeling homesick towards the end of his time with Essendon and always intended on returning to play in Ireland.

“I do really feel the time is now right for me to return home to Ireland,” McKenna said in a statement at the time.

“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.”

The Bombers and Cats are both heading into the 2022 Trade Period with plenty on the table.

Dyson Heppell is not certain to return in 2023 and has been linked with the Gold Coast.

The Cats are also reportedly making a play for North Melbourne’s Bailey Scott.

SEN’s Sam Edmund reported last week Geelong is “right in the running” for Collingwood star Brodie Grundy and are also the likely destination for Giants star Jacob Hopper.

Originally published as Essendon star announces comeback from out of the blue