Home and away: Meath's Cian McBride on leaving Aussie Rules and what it means to play for Royals

After four years at Essendon, back home the Leinster final is the next challenge. 

ROYAL APPOINTMENT: Meath's Cian McBride. Pic: INPHO/Laszlo Geczo

When the predictable news came that Cian McBride’s career as an AFL player was over, he distilled his Australian life down to three ties that each required careful attention: The house, a car, his partner.

The Meath underage star spent four seasons with Essendon without ever making a senior appearance. Last August, he was delisted. McBride was 22 years old and utterly equipped to ensure it was a clean break. The game was done with him. He was done with the game.