Swinburne FC bids farewell to John McKenna as he joins State League 1 side Clifton Hill for the 2025 season before departing for America in June.

McKenna made an instant impact in his sole season at the club, earning the 2024 Player of the Season award.

The 22-year-old’s move to Clifton Hill is a six-tier jump up the football pyramid nearing the record set by Thijs van Amerongen, who secured a move nine tiers higher to NPL side Dandenong Thunder.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Swinburne FC (@swinburnefc)

Reflecting on his departure, McKenna said, “It’s with a heavy heart that I announce I will not be playing for Swinburne this season.”

“I’m heading to America at the start of June and until then have decided to play at Clifton Hill until I go (hopefully not as much as a betrayal as Old Melbs).” John said.

This club has the best culture I’ve ever seen.

Adding to the excitement, McKenna will link up with former Scottish professional Jon McShane at Clifton Hill.

McShane, who made 12 appearances in the Scottish Premiership, once furiously insisted he had scored in a Dandenong City match after I failed to credit him on the club’s socials—only for the replay to prove otherwise.

Meanwhile, questions remain over whether his mates from Ballarat and current Swinburne FC teammates Oscar and Shogo will stay at the club.

We wish John all the best at Clifton Hill and beyond!