Essendon will say goodbye to one fierce competitor but welcome another tomorrow night. 

Paul Chapman is playing his 280th and last AFL game as Conor McKenna makes his debut. 

Interim Essendon Coach Matthew Egan said the Irish recruit would bring plenty of excitement. 

“He’s an absolute competitor, he hates losing,” Egan said. 

“He’s a beautiful snap for goal, obviously kicking the round ball all his life he snaps the ball really well.

“He had a game against Geelong where he kicked four goals from snaps.

“He’s an excitement machine, he adds some speed to our team which is what we’ve probably missed a little bit with guys like Travis Colyer not playing.”

McKenna has spent most of his time in the VFL in the forward line but has been given more midfield exposure in recent weeks. 

His parents have arrived in Australia and will be at the ground to watch their son debut tomorrow. 

“We just want him to enjoy himself,” Egan said. 

“I hope he goes out and plays with some flair and takes the game on.” 

McKenna has spent extra time learning the intricacies of the game with Development Coaches Paul and Mark Corrigan. 

Originally from Tyrone in Northern Ireland, McKenna has been living with the Manager of the James Hird Academy, Marty Allison. 

“Marty is a guy who is part of our development coaching regime who has taken Conor in with his family and made him feel very comfortable and also educated and fast-tracked his football knowledge,” Assistant Coach Mark Harvey said. 

“He’s still a little bit out of sync with the game but I tell you what he’s got that Irish dynamic.

“He’s a very happy person, very strong over the ball, super quick and he knows how to kick a goal.”