The Irish contingent in the AFL is continuing to grow after former Tyrone minor Conor McKenna was added to Essendon's main squad for this weekends game with Richmond.

McKenna played for Tyrone in the 2013 All Ireland Minor Final before moving to Australia at the end of last year to pursue a career in the AFL. The 19 year old has impressed for the reserves sive in the Victoria Football League this year kicking 18 goals in 15 games.

Ahead of his debut in the Melbourne Cricket Ground, McKenna will be welcoming his parents to Australia. They decided to fly over from Tyrone to see him make his debut once they got the news.

The game begins at 10.20am on Saturday morning.

Might need a few more of these around the club. pic.twitter.com/Wm6VOljZev

— Essendon FC (@EssendonFC) August 26, 2015

The moment that @CMcKenna7 found out that he would be playing this weekend. #DonTheSash https://t.co/7JCM7Arrnt

— Essendon FC (@EssendonFC) August 26, 2015