Conor McKenna looks set to return to Australia for the start of the AFL season despite his struggles with homesickness.
The ex-Tyrone star returned to his native county to be with his family earlier this month.
McKenna, 23, has been vocal about the homesickness he has suffered throughout his AFL career with Essendon.
But any hopes Tyrone fans might have had of McKenna returning to the county jersey appear to have been dashed.
"We've been in constant contact with Conor over the period of time he's been away and we hope he is enjoying himself and relaxing," Essendon's assistant Mark Harvey said.
"We'd like to think he comes back pretty soon, and we can have him available for selection.
"It's looking promising, our support staff have done an enormous job with him.
"I'd like to think maybe early next week (he returns)."
"He's done the majority of the pre-season and he's still training over there," he continued.
"Conor is a guy who comes up really quick … his endurance is around our top 10 no matter what.
"Pending when he does come back, he will be available for round one."
