Essendon's Conor McKenna has been ruled out of the International Rules series after suffering an ankle injury during training with the Irish squad.
He will miss the two test series against Australia next month.
Recruited from Northern Ireland, McKenna has played 33 games for the Bombers including 19 in the 2017 season.
“It’s obviously disappointing for Conor because he was really looking forward to representing Ireland in the International Rules Series,” Essendon’s General Manager of Football Rob Kerr told essendonfc.com.au on Wednesday.
McKenna hurt his ankle last Friday during training and has since seen a specialist in Ireland who has placed him in a moon boot. Once he is out of the boot he is set to return to Australia and continue his rehabilitation ahead of next years AFL season.
The two International Rules tests are going to be played at Adelaide Oval on November 12 and at Subiaco on November 18.
McKenna won't be going up against teammates Zach Merrett and Brendon Goddard who will feature in the Australian squad.