Irishman Conor McKenna is set to continue exploring new roles for Essendon VFL.

In his first season at the Bombers, McKenna has booted 16 goals in 13 of a possible 15 games in the VFL

“Conor has had a fantastic year,” VFL Coach Hayden Skipworth said.

“It’s obviously been a long year and he’s going to have his ups and downs as he’s basically only six or seven months into an AFL career." 

Since signing with the club in last year’s pre-season, the 19-year-old has made a relatively smooth transition from Gaelic Football playing predominantly up forward.

“We kept him a bit deeper at the start of the year and now he’s been playing as a high half-forward,” Skipworth said.

“We’re trying to expose him to new roles and keep educating him in the backend of the year.”

With Essendon VFL just one win away from a finals berth, McKenna’s development will be further boosted through a taste of September action.