For Shaun McKernan, the 2018 pre-season can’t come quick enough. After an injury interrupted preparation in 2017, the Bombers big man is fit and healthy on the eve of a return to preseason training.
“2018 is exciting for me because last year I had two surgeries so I didn’t start pre-season until January,” McKernan said
“Personally, it’s about getting my body up and going now, and it’s good to have a fresh start next season.”
“We have picked up some great players over the last few weeks, so I’m looking forward to bringing them in and building towards something special with our great list.”
McKernan will remain on the Rookie list, under new rules next season, Category A Rookies will now be eligible to play in the senior side without needing to be upgraded on to the senior list.
Senior Coach, John Worsfold, said McKernan had plenty to offer the team in 2018. .
“Shaun gives us good depth as another ruckman, a mature-aged ruckman, while we have two developing young ruckman in Sam Draper and Luke Lavender,” Worsfold said.
“He has the flexibility to play as a key forward for us, if required as well.
“He is a player that works really hard, has a great attitude, great work ethic and fits in really well with the values that we are living.”
List and Recruiting Manager, Adrian Dodoro, said McKernan has the capability to play a number of roles at senior level.
“Shaun will be retained in 2018 as a rookie player, because of the new rules, he will be up for senior selection next season,” Dodoro said.
“Shaun gives us the versatility to play a number of roles and also provides insurance for our ruckman, if they happen to go down.”
McKernan played 34 games for Adelaide before joining Essendon in 2015. He has played 18 games in the Red and Black, in his three seasons with the Club.
