Today the 18 year-old from Gisborne in Victoria is preparing to embark an AFL career with the Greater Western Sydney GIANTS.
“It was like a dream come true when I heard the news,” McKenna said of his selection at pick 23 in the NAB AFL Draft
“I was caught off guard because I thought maybe I might get lucky and sneak through to the GIANTS’ final pick.
“Never did I think the club would pick me so early. It’s a big honour and a great opportunity to do something I love for a living.”
Touted as one of Victoria’s brightest cricket prospects, McKenna said it was very difficult to choose between his two great loves.
“It was always going to be a tough decision to chose one sport over the other but football is where my heart lies.
“I’ve heard so much about the GIANTS being a family club and having lots of young talent which is why I’m so excited to get started.”
GIANTS coach Leon Cameron described McKenna as a medium forward with good skills and the ability to run through the midfield.
“People will probably think it’s a left field selection but we think we nailed it by selecting Pat with pick 23,” Cameron said.? ?“His background has predominantly been cricket but he clearly made a decision this year that he wanted to have a crack at AFL footy. We’re rapt to have him.”
McKenna kicked 45 goals for Gisborne this year has played senior football at the club over the past two seasons.
He slotted nine goals in one senior match against Kangaroo Flat and was pre-listed to join the Calder Cannons in the TAC Cup next season had he not been selected at the draft.
The 186cm youngster won’t be alone at the GIANTS with his cricket talent – In 2011 GIANTS number two draft pick Stephen Coniglio faced the same choice between football and cricket after being an exceptional Under-17 state cricketer.
He will also join former Australian test cricketers Simon Katich and Gavin Robertson who both now work at the GIANTS.
McKenna also played at Melton Cricket Club where defender Adam Kennedy played his junior cricket.
“I know a few of the boys like to roll their arm over so I’m sure we will bond over that in no time,” McKenna said.
While he may have to wait a little while to make his senior debut for the GIANTS, one thing is certain. McKenna will be lining up for the GIANTS in their cricket match against the Parramatta Eels this summer.
The AFL and NRL clubs will face off in a curtain raiser before the Big Bash match between the Sydney Thunder and Hobart Hurricanes at Spotless Stadium on January 7.
