Conor McKenna is quietly impressing in Australia as one of Ireland's leading AFL players.
The Tyrone native is enjoying a tremendous season at Essendon and scored his fifth goal of the season on Saturday, as the Bombers defeated Gold Coast Suns 88-57.
Gold Coast Suns have quickly become lucky opponents for the 21-year-old. Last season, McKenna scored two goals against the Suns in Round 21 . It remains the only game where he has scored more than once.
A former star of Tyrone minor teams, the Eglish native showed he was as confident with the oval ball as he is with the round one, when he sprinted clear of the Gold Coast defence down the right wing to score his second goal in five games.
Four bounces at extreme speed and a scintillating finish from Conor McKenna! #AFLSunsDons pic.twitter.com/VWz418o0nO
— AFL (@AFL) August 19, 2017
McKenna's performances have impressed fans in Australia. What would Tryone do to have him in their squad next weekend to face Dublin?
Tyrone's loss is most certainly Essendon's gain.
BOOM! Try and catch @CMckenna7 😱#DonTheSash
— Essendon FC (@essendonfc) August 19, 2017
Seriously Conor McKenna has grown so much.. I used to grimace every time he touched the ball but look at him now. 👌🏻👌🏻
— Mel (@Its_Me_Mel_) August 19, 2017
Not quite as spectacular as Buddy's effort but Conor McKenna's four bounce goal was remarkable for a convert in his 31st game. #AFLSunsDons
— Jake Niall (@JakeNiallTHEAGE) August 19, 2017
That goal from Conor McKenna was all class. I would love to see move into the midfield at times especially with Fantasia being injured.
— PDavies (@Pdavies576Peter) August 19, 2017