New Essendon recruit Conor McKenna could play football as soon as this season such is his development over the last 12 months.

Despite having a number of clubs chasing his signature the talented Irishman signed a two-year deal with the Bombers on Friday.

The 18 year old said a key element of his decision to join the club was their ability to fast track his development.

“They were the first club I spoke to at the Combine in Dublin last December,” McKenna said.

“Essendon already has a foundation to work with because they know how I have progressed so hopefully they can fast track that in the next six or seven months.

“It feels good, for the last three weeks I have been talking to clubs and my head has been spinning so it is finally good to have a decision made.

“I am just looking forward to coming out in November and getting stuck into pre-season.”

Essendon list manager Adrian Dodoro believes McKenna could play senior football as early as next season given his athletic ability.

“We threw him the challenge of coming over here post Christmas but he said that he wanted to get back here as soon as possible,” Dodoro said.

“He can be elevated like any rookie and as far as his fitness is concerned we don’t think there will be any issues with him adapting to the training loads so that will give him a chance.

McKenna has impressed in a number of representative games against Australia’s best young talent including 4 goals from the midfielder against the AIS in London recently.

He said the decision to leave his homeland to chase his dream in Australia was not an easy one to make.

“It is a tough decision but it is what I want to do,” he said.

“I want to be a professional athlete and in Ireland you can’t be a professional athlete, it would be great if I could stay at home but you can’t.

“I am really happy to come, it is what I want to do so hopefully it all works out.”