Conor MCKENNA

2017 Digest:   Irishman grabbed 19 disposals against Suns and will be in line to face Hawks if he plays well Sunday vs Cats.

2017 NAB Cup:  

2017 Season

1		–
2		–
3		–
4	Adel	Played his role in the Essendon midfield, and was good for his first game of the season.	5
5		Suspended.
6	Melb	Made some early errors, but got better as the game wore on. Not the worst.	6
7	Frem	Struggled. Couldn’t get involved.	2
8	Geel	Irishman mixed good and bad. Only nine effective disposals, one tackle, one inside-50 and no scores.	3
9	WCE	Did some good things in back half. Had some smart touches and mowed down Mitchell in the middle.	6
10	Rich	Irish defender got caught a lot but also found enough in his tank to rebound the footy. Effort was there.	5
11	GWS	Did some good things after knock to leg and always looked to take the game on.	5
12	Port	Got better as the game wore on in the back half. Played his part.	6
13		Bye.
14	Syd	Slow start, but had a big second half to get Bombers back into the game. Played with genuine enthusiasm.	7
15	Bris	Had a few glimpses of breakaway pace, but not enough.	4
16	Coll	Showed some dash out of the back half and while stats were modest (13) he seemed to have more of an impact.	6
17	StK	Plenty of run and carry and showed good workrate to drop back deep in defence when required.	6
18	NM	Not as good as he was against the Saints. Half of his 10 disposals were rebound 50’s. Slalom run trademark of Irish half-backs.	5
19	WB	Provided some dash off half back through the middle. Not the worst.	6
20	Carl	Irishman provided some rebound. Makes good decisions and tries to run and take game on every time he gets it.	6
21	Adel	Prepared to take risks running from defence and a few things didn’t come off.	6
22	GCS	Booted a ripping goal after a great attacking run, though not a major influence on the evening.	3
23	Frem	Speed off half back was noticeable. Game goes up a cog when he has the footy.	6
EF	Syd	Irishman had a shocker. Made mistakes and will learn from them. Good season from him.	3

2016 Season

1		Played in VFL trial against Footscray.
2		Played in VFL trial against Richmond.
3	VFL	Three goals and was the team’s best player. Clean hands and creativity a key.	–
4	Geel	Never a factor throughout. Six kicks but couldn’t get the ball in dangerous positions.	2
5	Coll	Overwhelmed by the big occasion and struggled to get involved.	2
6		Senior emergency.
7	VFL	Kicked a critical goal in the final term and rated among the Dons’ best.	–
8	NM	Couple of glimpses but for the most part he was quiet. Three inside-50s and no goals.	4
9	StK	Hardly had a sniff. Only three touches.	1
10	VFL	Got a bit of the ball but didn’t have normal burst in the front half.	–
11		Bye.
12	VFL	One goal, four tackles and a handful of contested possessions. Ok without starring.	–
13	VFL	Workrate between the arcs huge – four inside-50s and six tackles.	–
14	VFL	Bye.	–
15	VFL	Seven inside-50s and three score assists. Dangerous forward of centre.	–
16	StK	Made a few dashes in defence, but wasn’t a big factor.	3
17	Rich	Used in defence early but drifted higher up the ground as the game wore on. OK.	5
18	Bris	Used in back half again and had some good moments but still learning.	4
19	Adel	Hit the post from close range from a set shot in the third term.	5
20	Geel	Couple of dashing runs and a great goal in third term. Worth persisting with.	5
21	GCS	Good enthusiasm off back of square but had some iffy moments. Pushed forward for two goals.	6
22	WB	In defence kept pace with Dahlhaus most of the time.	5
23	Carl	Ran hard to rack up 16 uncontested possessions. Decision-making still suspect.	5

2015 Season

1		–
2		–
3		–
4	VFL	Did some handy things but learning curve is steep.	–
5	VFL	OK in a variety of roles as he continues to learn the game.	–
6	VFL	Kicked a goal and did some nice things.	–
7	VFL	Came right into the game in final term. Has talent.	–
8	VFL	Rough outing with just six possessions.	–
9	VFL	Kicked two smart goals and showed a bit of talent.	–
10	VFL	Impressed in attack with four goals. Smart player.	–
11		Didn’t play for Essendon VFL.
12	VFL	Bye.	–
13	VFL	Played a role in second half in attacking 50. One goal.	–
14	VFL	Booted three goals from eight touches. Developing well.	–
15	VFL	Bye.	–
16	VFL	Defended well in attack but goalless as small forward.	–
17	VFL	Looked dangerous without really breaking the game open.	–
18	VFL	Impressed again in attack with strength and nous around goal.	–
19	VFL	Unable to get into the game to any degree in attack.	–
20	VFL	Got a bit more of the ball – 16 disposals. Two goals too.	–
21	VFL	Battled hard but was goalless in front half.	–
22	Rich	A goal with his first kick then unsighted. Subbed out in third term.	2
23	Coll	Found some space to kick a goal. Set shot goalkicking needs serious work.	4