Delisted Daniel McKenzie

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Daniel McKenzie has shown promising signs for Sandringham this year, demonstrating impressive pace and the endurance to run out games.

The athletic left-footer has shown his versatility in being able to play a number of roles and provide damaging run out of defence.


Go Saints
 

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Earlier this week, Alan Richardson said he was excited to see who “put their hand up” as the Saints sought their second win of the season.

Although the blowtorch has been squarely on the Saints’ middle tier, when St Kilda found itself 31 points down at the final break at Metricon Stadium, its saviour appeared in the most unlikely form: 25-gamer Daniel McKenzie.

Just 22 years old, McKenzie grabbed his teammates by the scruff of the neck and drove them forward relentlessly, leading the charge in the Saints’ desperate last-quarter effort.


With just seven possessions to his name at the final break, McKenzie sprang to life in the last, gathering eight telling disposals and forcing the Suns onto the back foot.

There were under four minutes left when Jade Gresham extracted the footy from a congested pack to release McKenzie, who threw it onto his left boot and watched it float through for a goal, reducing the margin to just four points and setting the stage for Gresham to seal an unlikely win.

Senior coach Alan Richardson praised the young Saint, who’s been in and out of the senior side since his debut in 2015, and the vital role he played in the victory.

“I would say pride played a really big part in it,” Richardson said.

“There were a lot of guys, probably typified by Daniel McKenzie, that made sure they did something about it.

“McKenzie laid and stuck seven tackles for us up until half-time, but the way that he continued to push the ball forward, his goal and his contest work in the last quarter was just outstanding.”


Inspired by the drive of the Oakleigh Chargers product, Alan Richardson’s side lifted as one and overran a shell-shocked Gold Coast outfit.

“The last quarter was full of character. It was a group of men that weren’t going to let it happen; they weren’t going to let our footy club lose the game of footy,” the senior coach said.

“That was probably the most pleasing thing out of the game; the character and the spirit in which they played.”

McKenzie’s running capacity is one of his most impressive traits as a footballer, and the midfield endurance beast is hoping to build on his outstanding late showing.





Go Saints
 
Daniel did his job against Carlton. He only had the 13 disposals but kept his man out of the game . Like the other Saints defenders he had long periods when the ball was up the other end . I take back what I said about him earlier in the season as since he has got back into the side he has played well.


Go Saints
 
Half-back Daniel McKenzie endured a tough start to his AFL career, but his emergence in the second half of 2018 has earned him a reputation as one of the Saints’ most reliable hardmen in defence.

Taken at pick No. 22 in the 2014 National Draft, the promising Oakleigh Charger was originally selected for his elite aerobic capacity, endurance and speed through the midfield.

But McKenzie’s biggest strength doesn’t lie in his ball-winning ability; it’s in his unrelenting defensive pressure, his willingness to assist his teammates and his ability to impact a game when it matters.


There was no clearer example of the 22-year-old’s potential than when he almost single-handedly turned the Saints’ fortunes in what was looming as one of the club’s darkest days in 2018.

After a winless streak of 11 games, the Saints had headed north to Metricon Stadium to face the equally under-fire Gold Coast Suns in Round 13 after a week of football-wide media scrutiny.

And at three-quarter time, Alan Richardson’s side found itself in an unprecedented situation: 31 points down to a team coming off back-to-back thrashings.



But with the jungle drums beating almost deafeningly at the final break, the Saints’ saviour appeared in the most unlikely form: Daniel McKenzie.

After a solid first half, McKenzie hit fifth gear in the last, gathering eight telling disposals and forcing the Suns onto the back foot.

The 25-gamer grabbed his teammates by the scruff of the neck and drove them forward relentlessly, leading the charge in the Saints’ desperate last-quarter effort.

With under four minutes on the clock, the left-footer threw the footy onto his boot from congestion and watched it float through for a goal, reducing the margin to just four points and setting the stage for Jade Gresham to seal an unlikely win.

In the aftermath of the emotional win, his coach didn’t hesitate to single out the half-back’s influence.

“There were a lot of guys, probably typified by Daniel McKenzie, that made sure they did something about it,” Richardson said.

“He laid and stuck seven tackles for us up until half-time, but the way that he continued to push the ball forward, his goal and his contest work in the last quarter was just outstanding.”

READ: McKenzie leads late surge

‘D-Mac’ continued to build his form after his career-best showing on the Gold Coast, putting in another promising defensive performance in the Saints’ win over Melbourne a fortnight later.

Since his transition into the backline, McKenzie has been able to implement his elite running capacity to not only run off his man in offence, but assist his fellow defenders effectively in aerial contests as well.

Director of Coaching Danny Sexton said it’s a difficult balance, but one that McKenzie’s been able to get right this year, labelling him the “most improved” defender in the team.

“It took Daniel a while to break into the side, but he’s become a very reliable defender,” he said.

“His teammates and the coaching staff have got a lot of trust in Daniel, and that’s allowed his self-belief to improve.”

WATCH: D-Mac reflects on Gold Coast win

Sexton added that McKenzie’s newfound confidence has arguably been the 22-year-old’s biggest weapon this year.

“Now that he feels more comfortable at the level, he’s become a really good player for us,” he said.

“He defends really well one-on-one, he’s got good speed, good power and he’s very, very athletic. He’s probably improved as much as anyone else at our club.”

McKenzie heads into the off-season on a career-high streak of 13 consecutive games, and he’ll look to consolidate his spot on the half-back line in 2019.


Go Saints
 

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Looks composed down back this season so far . The first three games he has defended well without those terrible clangers he had last year . Seems a lot more confident in his spot in the team . I haven’t been a fan of his in the past but he seems a different player now , great to see how much he has improved.


Don’t Panic !!
 
Gritty defender Daniel McKenzie has signed a three-year contract extension with St Kilda, seeing him remain at the club until the end of 2022.
The endurance machine cemented himself in the Saints’ backline during the second half of last season, with his hardness at the contest unwavering despite the side’s troubled year.
McKenzie has missed just the one game in 2019 through concussion – an ailment symptomatic of his steely attack on the footy – but has stepped up to the plate in St Kilda’s injury-ravaged defence.
A 19-disposal and 12-mark display against Adelaide in the absence of skipper Jarryn Geary highlighted the importance of the hardened defender, whose growth and determination has warranted his signature.
St Kilda List Manager James Gallagher was pleased to see McKenzie extend his stay with the Saints.
“To have Dan put pen to paper is fantastic for the club and we’re rapt to have him on board for at least the next three years,” Gallagher said.
“He’s courageous, professional and is heavily invested in achieving success for the St Kilda Football Club.
“Dan’s another one of our players who is heading towards that 50-game mark and we expect him to now grow from here into the footballer we believe he can be.”
McKenzie said he was proud to sign on and is intent on repaying the faith in the years to come.
“I’m stoked to be able to pull on the jumper for another three years,” McKenzie said.
“It’s a great honour to play for the Saints and seeing the belief shown by the club is really significant to me.
“We’re going forward in the right direction as a club and I’m really excited to be a part of that future.”
McKenzie was originally selected with pick No. 22 in the 2014 National Draft and will play his 41st game against West Coast this Saturday.
 
Dmac played some very good defensive games this year once he got back into the team . He looked a lot more composed than in previous years and was playing well . The only negative at this time was he wasnt getting the ball enough himself but he was doing the job as a defender . Towards the end of the season he seemed to lose his confidence a bit and then missed due to injury . But overall i think he will have benefitted from his year as he is learning what it takes to be an AFL footy player . I imagine he will be fighting for a spot in defence next year although if we dont have the terrible run of injuries we had this year it will be a hard spot to break into and hold , which is great for the club.
 
Daniel McKenzie
Career
Games: 49
Marks: 175
2019
Games: 15
Marks: 50

692323_ll.jpg


After establishing himself as a core member of the defence in the backend of 2018, Daniel McKenzie brought his grit and tenacity into the new season.
A concussion against the Hawks sidelined the no-fuss defender, but he quickly returned with several solid performances under his belt.
Professional in his approach and with a sizeable tank to complement it, McKenzie played a career-best 15 games for the season before rounding out the year in the VFL.
As D-Mac approaches the 50-game mark, he steps into the next important bracket of players who will lead the club forward.
His determination will make sure he does just that.
BEST GAME:
McKenzie starred against Adelaide early in the season, finding plenty of space to collect 19 disposals (17 uncontested), 12 marks, four rebound-50s and six one-percenters from 92% of game-time.
 
Well my mate Dan played a ripper tonight.
Probably his best stats ever.
13 kicks 8 handballs 3 tackles and a goal.
That's adds to his massive career tally of 3.

We know what we get from Dan hard at it uncompromising footy. Seems like the team has got on board that attitude...finally.

Good luck to him and may he stay in our best 22.

On SM-G977B using BigFooty.com mobile app
 
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