IRISHMAN Conor McKenna will play for Essendon against Geelong on Saturday after being elevated from the club’s rookie list. 

He made his debut last season against Richmond in the second-last round and also played the following week against Collingwood.

"We're looking for a bit of excitement from Conor, he's a powerful player," coach John Worsfold told the Essendon website.

"He's still learning the game to some degree, but his form over the pre-season and the last couple of weeks in the VFL we've been pleased with.

"He'll bring some energy, some intensity in the forward line and create some excitement for us up there and help us kick some scores."

The County Tyrone product showed promise, averaging 11 disposals, two tackles, three marks and kicking two goals in his AFL games.

McKenna, 20, was one of the best performers in the VFL team's loss to Werribee last week, collecting 21 disposals, taking seven marks and kicking three goals. 

Head of development and VFL coach Matthew Egan said McKenna had earned his upgrade. 

"Conor has really demonstrated this pre-season that he deserves the chance to play with our senior team," Egan said.

"We've seen someone who has a natural athletic talent work really hard to understand and learn our game.

"His form in the VFL has been great and we believe that will transfer to a senior level."