Irish recruit Conor McKenna could be a welcome addition to the team on Sunday, as the VFL Bombers host Collingwood at Windy Hill– their first home game this season. 

The youngster has showed positive signs in his development since joining the Bombers in the off-season after playing just three games AFL games prior.

Essendon Development Coach Paul Corrigan admitted he’s cast a keen eye over McKenna, pleased to see him take the right steps forward.

“I took him under my wing when he first come to the club, so I’ve been working really closely with Connor. The more time you spend with him you realise he has a bit of a cheeky nature about him, but he’s been fantastic since coming on board.” 

“He is really powerful and we’ve been playing him more up forward, as it comes more naturally to him coming from a Gaelic game." 

“He hasn’t missed a session and he just does more and more because he realises that he has got a lot to do to make it, but he just wants to do everything he can to make it in the AFL.”

Corrigan confessed that these particular games always games tend to go down to the wire, as he expects the match to be heightened playing on ANZAC Day weekend.

“I know when we come up against Collingwood, it’s always a tough match, and especially playing on ANZAC Day weekend,” he said.

“It’s a great privilege that we can play on this weekend and we’re really looking forward to the contest and no doubt it will be another close one like we’ve had in previous years.”

The game is set be the perfect way to end the weekend, as Corrigan urged fans to get down to the family-friendly atmosphere at Windy Hill. 

“You do get a lot of families down with young kids, and it’s a great environment. Hopefully on Sunday we can get a lot of fans down there.”

“With the VFL footy these days it’s great to see local communities and families getting down to the game and support and get closer to the players on game day.”