Essendon defender Conor McKenna has said he has no regrets about his decision to play in a Gaelic football game without the Bombers permission.
McKenna featured for his local club Eglish in a relegation playoff game against Edendork less than a fortnight ago.
McKenna joins fellow Irish AFL footballers Conor Nash (Hawthorn) and Mark O'Connor (Geelong) to secretly play in a Gaelic match without notifying their club.
Bombers coach John Worsfold has already publicly expressed his disappointment in McKenna, acknowledging the potential ramifications and risks of injury, while McKenna said he only meant to give back to his home club the best way he could.
An Essendon spokeperson toldย AFL.com.auย that the matter would be dealt with when he returns to pre-season in December.
"I came home before and sat there and watched them and it's a very hard thing to do, so I came home and they had a relegation battle and I decided to play," he told the Irish Independent.
"You grew up playing with these people โ you have cousins and brothers playing โ so it's a family and community-based thing. That's my point to them (Essendon)โฆ
"To play for them for 18 years and then to go home and completely shut off, it's difficult. That's why so many Irish players like Zach Tuohy, Mark O'Connor and Tadhg Kennelly went home and played. It's hard not to."
McKenna missed a match this season to attend his brothers wedding, and has publicly expressed his battle with homesickness in the past.
The pacey-halfback is hopeful the Bombers will consider his situation when he returns to the club for pre-season in December.
"I'll explain what the club has done for me and how I wouldn't be in this position (without) them and that I feel obligated to give something back to them," McKenna said.
"I'm not really sure what to expect but I'll go back and whatever happens, happens."
The Irishman enjoyed another strong season in the red sash, finishing fourth in the clubs best and fairest count, averaging 21 touches a game and five rebound 50's.
