Conor McKenna has refashioned himself from a defender to a forward in the latter years of his career, with younger versions preferred to provide run off half back. His role becomes more important with the departure in the off season of Callum Ah Chee, a similarly flexible flanker who was capable of switching in-game without missing a beat. There is usually a spot for someone of McKenna's age in a good team despite them lacking a yard; perhaps at Brisbane the advantage of knowing the system is not as useful given the Lions are almost anti-system at times, but his experience is invaluable.
Conor McKenna has refashioned himself from a defender to a forward in the latter years of his career, with younger versions preferred to provide run off half back. His role becomes more important with the departure in the off season of Callum Ah Chee, a similarly flexible flanker who was capable of switching in-game without missing a beat. There is usually a spot for someone of McKenna's age in a good team despite them lacking a yard; perhaps at Brisbane the advantage of knowing the system is not as useful given the Lions are almost anti-system at times, but his experience is invaluable.
When Irish toes are dancing
The move of Andrew McGrath to midfield was just as much about the continued development of Conor McKenna as about the more-hyped Rising Star. The Irishman came fully into his own as an explosive rebounder last season, gaining much of his 449 metres per game (up 80) with bursts of speed on the ground. His fantasy scores jumped by 15 points after the bye. Obviously it's a small sample size, but it is noticeable that McKenna's numbers have trended up in the latter part of seasons, perhaps pointing to a superior fitness base that is not apparent early in the season when everyone else is also fresh. This would make him a pick up target, as he seems to be a bit of an August specialist who will probably get dropped midseason in your league.
I'm looking for Don Conor
It has been a slow burn for Conor McKenna, and it was only in the last month of season four that he started stringing startable scores together off a HBF. Three-quarters of his ball comes on the outside, and he gains almost twice as much metreage per touch than his half back partner Andrew McGrath. To look at his average, you'd think McKenna was the very definition of replacement-level. Look closer and you'll see a player who, like many of his Irish brethren, takes a while to build up his 10,000 hours of Aussie rules experience but once he does, turns into a very handy player. He should be picked up in late rounds, if not sooner.
Honour for Conor
The kid on the other HBF got all the headlines, but Conor McKenna was quietly one of the more pleasing sights at Essendon last year, making less mistakes and creating more with his scything runs from half back. His fantasy scores were only rarely above the baseline for backs. McKenna signed for an extra four years in the off season, which is as strong a sign as any that the Dons have faith in him for the long term. He is a good chance to develop in his fourth year to a point where his fantasy numbers move into startable range, so a late flier is not out of the question.
