McKenzie reward for persistence

[Otiman]

Dmac has been a much maligned fringe player over the years but this year has firmly cemented his spot and is in the first 10 selected for mine.

A testament to his hard work and persistence.

Who is the next McKenzie to emerge for us?

[saynta]

Dmac has been a much maligned fringe player over the years but this year has firmly cemented his spot and is in the first 10 selected for mine.

A testament to his hard work and persistence.

Who is the next McKenzie to emerge for us?

One of the young'uns or Byrnes maybe.

Would absolutely love it to be Benny.

[Ghost Like]

In terms of the much maligned, it could be anyone. Afterall this is Saintsational.

[MC Gusto]

I’d long hoped he’d become a player but I must admit I had given up on him and written him off. Was bamboozled when we gave him that 2? Year extension.

How wrong was I and credit to the kid he has been unbelievable

Stepped up last year but has gone another gear this year. A favourite sim now. Hard at it, fast, powerful and good disposal which used to be a real week point. Deserves all the plaudits and then some. Has been fantastic

[skeptic]

Hannebery perhaps?

[skeptic]

On a serious note…

Lienert is one that I really like that can’t get a look in at the moment.
Not maligned so much, seems respected enough, may be top 22 as yet

[Milne]

Dmac still makes a few errors but it's his pure work ethic that has elevated him to a first team regular.

[saynta]

How the f*** McKenzie didn't get a free when he was poleaxed today is beyond me.

Even the chief who hates the Saints said you are joking when the video was played on the Bounce, and he was told no free.

[perfectionist]

Daniel McKenzie was our third selection with pick No. 22 in the 2014 National Draft. Hugh Goddard was our second selection at No 21, and we wasted Pick No 1. Jack Steele went to GWS at pick 24.

Our first goal today was as good as you would ever see and displayed Daniel's strength - strength. He is one of the players caught in the "height rise" of AFL players. In days gone past he might have been a tallish inside onballer who is a bit slow. Now he's a shortish flanker who is a bit slow. He is pretty much one sided but has a leap to be able mark above his height. He does seem to be making the most of his opportunities.

[Zed]

Currently the most maligned youngster is Allison by a mile.

[B.M]

Remember Richo was an idiot for giving him a three year deal?!… even though it wasn’t just his call??

DMac suffered many injuries during his development

At the time of his drafting McCartin, Goddard and even Lonie looked likely to be players to build around and DMac had little fanfare

Testament for persistence

[saintbob]

I reckon Wood is another who’s form so far this year has made it very hard for him to be dropped.

[minneapolis]

I bagged DMac relentlessly. I eat my words.

His disposal used to be cringeworthy. He has improved a lot. He is one of those warrior types who are the heart and soul of the team. Amazing how some can be coached and improved.

[Impatient Sainter]

He is pushing our captain as our teams bravest player - I love watching him now. Kudos DMac...

[IluvHarvey]

I bagged DMac relentlessly. I eat my words.

His disposal used to be cringeworthy. He has improved a lot. He is one of those warrior types who are the heart and soul of the team. Amazing how some can be coached and improved.

I'll put my hand up here and say I was very much in the "get rid of D-Mac" camp.

However...
I do have a history of writing players off too early. Everyone loves to remind me that I once stated Steve Smith was the worst player to ever play test cricket for Australia.

[older saint]

Has done better than i thought he would, although greatly helped by not being a backman anymore.

Yesterday probably summed it up. Unbelievable first goal of the game courage when poleaxed in front of goal, but later in the day a couple classic disposal clangers.

In best 22 on work ethic at the moment and all teams need the selfless 2 way runners.

[Crossy66]

Daniel McKenzie was our third selection with pick No. 22 in the 2014 National Draft. Hugh Goddard was our second selection at No 21, and we wasted Pick No 1. Jack Steele went to GWS at pick 24.

Our first goal today was as good as you would ever see and displayed Daniel's strength - strength. He is one of the players caught in the "height rise" of AFL players. In days gone past he might have been a tallish inside onballer who is a bit slow. Now he's a shortish flanker who is a bit slow. He is pretty much one sided but has a leap to be able mark above his height. He does seem to be making the most of his opportunities.

Slow?

[Crossy66]

I bagged DMac relentlessly. I eat my words.

His disposal used to be cringeworthy. He has improved a lot. He is one of those warrior types who are the heart and soul of the team. Amazing how some can be coached and improved.

Disposal wasn't the problem.
Decision making under pressure was.
Play him in his right position, that plays to his strengths and look what happens. Kudos to Ratts and co.

[Banger9798]

Daniel McKenzie was our third selection with pick No. 22 in the 2014 National Draft. Hugh Goddard was our second selection at No 21, and we wasted Pick No 1. Jack Steele went to GWS at pick 24.

Our first goal today was as good as you would ever see and displayed Daniel's strength - strength. He is one of the players caught in the "height rise" of AFL players. In days gone past he might have been a tallish inside onballer who is a bit slow. Now he's a shortish flanker who is a bit slow. He is pretty much one sided but has a leap to be able mark above his height. He does seem to be making the most of his opportunities.

Slow?

I thought the same. He's quick and has good endurance, can mark overhead and is tough. He has a decent kick and has started to lower his eyes.

[freely]

Long maybe.

[dalboy]

I love watching him this year - definately not slow!!

[Saintmike65]

Fair to say I was one of his biggest critics but I love to be proven wrong.
His 2 way running, courage, team first mentality has been terrific.
His decision making is much better, probably due to having the confidence & belief from the coach.
As far as the next maligned player to flourish, perhaps Paton, who does cop it on this forum.

[B.M]

Maybe he’s got a bit better with experience?

Maybe he’s had an injury free run at it?

However, having said that, he was very good in 2018

[meher baba]

Am I right in recalling that there was a period (2019-20 I think it was) when the club seemed to be deliberately not playing McKenzie at the AFL level - and Webster as well - because this would trigger longer contracts for them? Or something like that?

It'd be pretty difficult to expect a player to deliver their best in those circumstances.