Daily Mirror (Northern Ireland)
TESTING TIME
Mckenna waiting on yet ANOTHER Covid-19 result
This is something that has not been documented anywhere throughout the world. It must be some kind of medical miracle
CONOR MCKENNA has to sweat on the results of yet another Covid-19 test after a bizarre sequence of events in recent days.
On the back of a test last Friday that reported “irregular” findings, the Essendon defender tested positive for the virus on Saturday only to produce a negative result when tested again yesterday.
His positive test forced the postponement of the Bombers’ AFL tie with Melbourne last Saturday and despite fears that up to eight players would be forced into quarantine ahead of this weekend’s clash with Carlton, only one, James Stewart, has been deemed to be a close contact of
Mckenna’s after the pair were wrestling partners in a training session last Friday.
A club statement outlined: “Essendon Football Club can confirm Conor Mckenna has returned a negative result to his Covid-19 swab test on Tuesday, June 23.
“It has also been re-confirmed that the two swab tests taken on Friday, June 19 and Saturday, June 20 were both positive results.
“The club will work with relevant medical experts over the coming days to further understand these results.”
Mckenna, who has shown no symptoms, started a 14-day quarantine last Saturday though if the former Tyrone minor star reports a second successive negative test result he may be allowed to resume training.
Likewise for Stewart, who is in isolation and has consistently produced negative results when tested.
The whole saga raises questions about the AFL’S testing procedures and Stewart’s agent, Peter Jess (inset), told the Herald Sun: “I’m finding it difficult to accept that somehow Conor Mckenna has been able to recover from coronavirus within 48 hours.
“This is something that has not been documented anywhere throughout the world.
“It must be a medical miracle.”
Mckenna has been on the receiving end of some unfavourable comment in Australia having been accused of violating restrictions, though it’s not exactly clearcut as to whether he did or not and if a suspension is in the offing.
It has been reported that he inspected five rental properties last Wednesday, though players’ entitlement to do so is something of a grey area and the former Tyrone minor may be afforded some latitude if it’s determined that it wasn’t a clear violation.
Mckenna also visited his host family in Melbourne though there could be some wriggle room there too as they are effectively his de facto family in Australia, albeit he now lives with his brother and his brother’s partner in the city.
Essendon are backing the player but ultimately it will be the AFL that will adjudicate on whether he is to be punished in the shape of a ban or a fine.
Club CEO Xavier Campbell commented: “The AFL will work through a process to determine whether or not he has in fact breached any protocols and that’s not as clear cut as people like to think.”