Essendon Football Club accepts the one-week sanction handed to Conor McKenna by the AFL in relation to a breach of the AFL’s current Return to Play protocols.

McKenna was found to be in breach of the AFL’s living arrangements due to visiting his former host family. 

Had McKenna sought formal approval to visit his former host family, he would have been cleared under the guidelines. 

McKenna has now served his sanction and will be available for senior selection this week ahead of the Bombers’ clash with Collingwood on Friday night.

General manager of football Dan Richardson said the club was continuing to fully support McKenna.

“This is a minor breach, but a reminder no less to all players of the importance in adhering to the strict protocols the AFL have put in place to ensure the health and safety of those involved in our game, as well as the community,” Richardson said. 

“The visit to his former host family is in no way related to returning a positive result to the COVIC-19 test given the visit was after his testing was completed on the Friday. We accept that Conor should have first checked with our club's compliance officer prior to visiting the family. 

“The club will continue to fully support both Conor and James Stewart, who remains in quarantine, during what has been a challenging period.”