Essendon's Conor McKenna has retired from AFL football with immediate effect.
McKenna played 79 matches for the Bombers since his debut in 2015, but this year has struggled with homesickness after a COVID-19 scare.
The Irishman, who played Gaelic football for County Tyrone's minor side, has played six seasons in the AFL and kicked 20 goals.
McKenna has not played since Essendon's round 12 game against St Kilda at the Gabba.
"I do really feel the time is now right for me to return home to Ireland," McKenna said in a statement.
"I've made no secret of the fact that at some point, I'd want to be returning home to my family and I've been weighing up the decision recently.
"It's been a difficult year for everyone, but it's also been a chance to take stock and weigh up several things in my life, so the time is right.
"I will always be grateful for Essendon's support of both myself and my family since I arrived at the club from the other side of the world at the end of 2014."
McKenna tested positive for coronavirus in June and was placed in isolation, but was released after nine days following two subsequent negative tests.
More to come.
