Conor McKenna was banned from play and released from quarantine

However, since the Irishman in isolation missed Essendon’s 1-point loss to Carlton on Saturday evening, he has already completed his suspension and can play for the bombers against Collingwood again on Friday.

McKenna was fined for visiting his former host family in Melbourne this month, but was released from quarantine earlier than the usual 14-day period after failing all subsequent tests after his positive test on June 20.

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James Stewart, a teammate at Essendon, was told last week that he needed to be quarantined for 14 days because, as McKenna’s wrestling partner, he came in close contact with the 24-year-old during training.

Health officials examined who McKenna came in “close contact with” to determine which other players would need to isolate themselves. There were initial reports that another five players could be added to this group, but in the end Stewart was the only bomber to be affected by McKenna’s positive test.

Health experts examined the training material provided by Essendon to determine the players who had to switch to McKenna in isolation.

There were originally fears that Essendon’s first-line backline could be ruled out for at least two weeks. Adam Saad, Cale Hooker, Michael Hurley, Matt Guelfi, Jordan Ridley and Mason Redman were reportedly in McKenna’s training group.

Fortunately for the Dons, this worst-case scenario was avoided.