A broad perspective has enabled Essendon forward Shaun McKernan to consider his career options for life after football as a result of the AFL’s shutdown period due to the current COVID-19 pandemic. 

Having previously undertaken professional development with Border Express while balancing his full-time football duties, the 29-year-old has re-joined the national transport and distribution services company in a working experience capacity. 

“Border Express is one of the sponsors at the footy club and I have previously done some work experience with them in the office. With the AFL shutdown period, I thought it was a good opportunity to get back out there on the floor and see how it all works operationally so it’s been a really good experience so far,” McKernan said. 

“Obviously now we’ve got the time on our hands and instead of being locked away at home, I thought it was a good opportunity to get some further professional development. It’s about being best prepared for life after footy, and career development. 

“Hopefully I’ve got a few more years on the footy field ahead of me but you must be a realist and know that it won’t last forever so it’s about being prepared for when that time comes and this is a really good opportunity with Border Express to do that.” 

McKernan has been joined by a handful of his Essendon teammates, with Jake Stringer, Jacob Townsend, Kyle Langford and Jayden Laverde upskilling themselves in a professional development opportunity with the Tullamarine-based company.

“Australia is shutting down but there is mail and packages still to be delivered so we’re doing our part to get it to them,” McKernan said.

“But being here also gives us all a great perspective on how much these guys do in a day. There are actually a few Essendon fans out here on the floor, so it’s been nice to chat to them too. Everyone is doing is tough at the moment – we’re all missing footy too, us included.” 

Despite the AFL’s shutdown period, the gentle giant joked the manual labour at Border Express was serving a dual purpose in maintaining the Bombers’ fitness levels.

“Mostly we’re unloading boxes of the trucks and the conveyor belt. It’s really good fun and it’s probably a gym workout in itself to be honest”, McKernan said. 

“But in a way it’s actually not too different in the sense that you still have the respect for why you’re here and you still need to get a job done. It’s the same – I don’t want to let the guys down here, and I just want to work hard, and do a good job for the company (Border Express).” 

With much uncertainty across the community and no clear date on when the AFL season will resume, the powerful key forward revealed he and his red and black teammates were continually checking in on each other virtually.

“We’re all staying in touch. Obviously we’re used to spending every day together, so it’s been a bit tough not seeing everyone, but we have group chats going on, and we’re all checking in on each other,” McKernan said.

“We’re a pretty tight group so we probably are missing each other but it’s important to keep checking in.”