McKenna in doubt

ESSENDON will step up its dialogue with Conor McKenna across the next week, but the homesick Irishman remains in doubt for the Round 1 clash with Fremantle at Docklands.

The Bombers recently allowed McKenna to return to his home town of Eglish, in County Tyrone, citing “homesickness and family-related reasons”. It’s understood the club agreed to give McKenna at least a week without interruption to spend time with his family — and to clear his head — before re-engaging discussions about what it hopes will be a potential return date.

While Ireland’s Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) is closely monitoring the situation, Essendon remains cautiously optimistic the 23-yearold – who is contracted until the end of the 2021 season – will be back soon to honour the deal. Discussions will resume in the coming days with Essendon player welfare manager Matt Little — who has a strong relationship with McKenna and his family — expected to play a key role.

ST KILDA is still planning as if the China game is going ahead but is working closely with the AFL on its contingency if it is shifted back to Australia amid coronavirus fears.

It is understood that there have been indications a decision is unlikely before Round 1, with the call potentially not made until at least April.

Docklands Stadium looms as the likeliest option for the match, with a Monday night timeslot being considered as the Saints and Port Adelaide continue to juggle both Shanghai and Melbourne plans should the Round 11 clash be moved back to home soil.

St Kilda captain Jarryn Geary — who suffered a broken leg in last year’s meeting and ended his day in a Shanghai hospital — said he would prefer a call sooner rather than later. “The sooner the answer comes, obviously it would be ideal,” he said. “I’m in the business of trusting the experts, and I’m sure they’ll make the right decision. The AFL obviously have a lot of people that they’ll be consulting.”