Former Tyrone underage starlet Conor McKenna will make his senior AFL debut for Essendon on Saturday night against Richmond. 

It's a rapid rise to the top for the 19-year-old who travelled from the Red Hand County to Tullamarine at the end of last year for a shot at making it in the AFL. 

"It's great reward for the hard work he's put in," Essendon Development Coach Paul Corrigan told www.essendonfc.com.au.

"He's obviously crammed a lot in the time that he's been here. He does more sessions than anyone else, he never misses a beat." 

While most Irish players are used off the half-back line, McKenna has shown some natural flair in front of goal. In his 15 VFL games this season, he's kicked 18 goals. 

"The coach took me in yesterday about three o'clock after training," McKenna said. 

"Cora, who has been working with me all year, he just said 'congratulations, you're playing against Richmond this week'. 

"It's just good to get a role now." 

McKenna's parents are flying out from Tyrone to attend Saturday night's match.

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