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.
2. North Melbourne
At the beginning of 2022, this wouldn't have even been a consideration with the Roos having plenty of running half-back options.
Now, it almost seems the most likely destination with North facing the possibility of not having a quality player in that position.
Jack Ziebell was moved out of defence early in the year by former coach John Noble and has not returned, whilst Aaron Hall was dropped for the last round of the season. The much-improved Bailey Scott has also been heavily linked with a move to Geelong.
Even Jaidyn Stephenson was trialled in defence before they figured out he does not have a defensive bone in his body.
Defender
Disposals
Disposal %
Rebound50s
Bearing all that in mind, a player like Conor McKenna could be exactly what North Melbourne need.
He has plenty of experience, can accumulate touches and have an impact offensively. McKenna is also very clean with his disposal as well, having not gone under 75% disposal efficiency in his last full season in 2019.
The Roos would be a nice suitor for the Irishman in 2023.
