Former Essendonย defender Conor McKenna is reportedly looking to return to Australia to play AFL in 2023 after stepping away from the game after the 2020 season to return to his family in Ireland.
The small defender struggled to break into Essendon's side in his final season, having only played six games after a 22-game season in 2019.
But the now 26-year-old has shown previously he can be a vital run-and-dash half back, having at one point in 2019 had a 35-disposal game along with plenty of mid-20 disposal performances.
With all this in mind, we examine five potential landing spots for Conor McKenna.
1. Geelong
Having already been linked to McKenna, Geelong could be looking for some extra run and dash off the half-back flank for the future.
The Cats are also well-known for picking up experienced players - as we have seen with Luke Dahlhaus, Isaac Smith and more.
With Zach Tuohy reaching the back end of his career and no real standout small defender in the side, the now 26-year-old could find himself at the Cattery competing with the likes of Jed Bews and Mark O'Connor for a spot in their 22.
McKenna would also feel right at home at Geelong, with two Irishman in O'Connor and Tuohy already part of the defensive group at the club.
He possesses very similar traits to the 32-year-old Tuohy, with great pace and the ability to provide plenty of run-through defence and even occasionally hit the scoreboard.
The squad would not at all be an easy one for McKenna to break into, but could be a likely destination for a player looking to prove his worth at AFL level once again.
