AFL 2018: Ex-Melbourne and GWS forward Pat McKenna returns to Gisborne
PAT McKenna has returned to Gisborne confident the experience he gained in four years at GWS and Melbourne will help him become a key member of the club’s forward line.
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PLUCKED from Gisborne as the bolter of the 2014 AFL draft, Pat McKenna’s learning curve was steep.
The then 18-year-old booted 45 goals from 18 senior games in the Bendigo Football League, drawing the interest of Greater Western Sydney.
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McKenna had led Australia’s under-19 cricket team on an international tour, but the rise in class from Gardiner Reserve to Spotless Stadium was evident from day one.
“I had been involved in semi-professional stuff with cricket, but never with footy,” McKenna said.
“The training quality, the intensity, the off-field stuff about weights, nutrition, meetings, game plan, all those things get thrown at you and it is really a full-time job.
“There’s so much to do and learn. From that aspect, it was eye-opening, but really enjoyable as well.”
McKenna will bring those experiences back to Gisborne next year, re-signing with his junior club after being delisted by Melbourne.
“The way we have gone — two wins, six wins, 11 wins, into finals — it’s a pretty quick rise,” he said.
“All of my mates were playing and getting full seasons in when they were 18 and 19.
“Now they are all 22 and all have 50 plus games of experience.
“It’s going to be a pretty exciting year I reckon.”
The 186cm forward spent two years at the Giants, failing to play a senior game but featuring in a NEAFL grand final victory.
The now 22-year-old returned to Victoria in 2016, when he was traded to Melbourne along with an exchange of draft picks.
McKenna endured two injury-ravaged years at the Demons, battling persistent hamstring issues, and was delisted in September.
“To spend 75 per cent of my time at Melbourne injured did hurt me a bit,” he said.
“It was good to get back and at least play some footy, not great footy, but at least play and play in the VFL grand final.
“It was a good experience and good to actually get a bit of reward for missing so much.
“It didn’t give me the best chance to get another contract and push for AFL selection.
“But that’s the way it is. From where I was, I was lucky enough to get drafted, let alone have four years in the system.”
McKenna, who was listed at 85kg, said he added about 10kg to his frame during his AFL career.
“I think the way I can use my body and the endurance side of things I have picked up over four years is definitely going to help me coming back to Gisborne,” he said.
“All the skills you train everyday have gotten better as well.”
McKenna headlines five one-point stars who have returned to Gisborne as the club strives to build on its return to finals in 2019.
Former captain Casey Summerfield (Macedon), key defender Tim Walsh, on-baller and Michelsen medallist Scott Walsh (both Riddell) and Essendon VFL backman James Ferry have also committed to the Bulldogs.
“It’s going to be quite a competitive year spots wise with four or five guys coming in,” McKenna said. “Everyone is pretty bullish about how we’ll go.”
McKenna, who was considered one of Australia’s top batting prospects and played 11 First XI Premier Cricket matches for Carlton before being drafted, said a return to cricket was not on his radar.
“I am doing some coaching with Melbourne’s AFLW team,” he said.
“They train Tuesday and Thursday nights and Saturdays until 1pm, so I wouldn’t be able to play cricket.
“With Gisborne, working, uni and a few other things popping up, I didn’t really have the time. “Sit it out definitely this year and then see where I am at next year if I want to pull the whites on again.”
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