Injury-free and re-signed Trent McKenzie says he is finally ready to make his mark for Port Adelaide
After just two games for the Power, Trent McKenzie says he thought his AFL career was over midway through the season. But some top SANFL form and some potential player movement at Alberton has him excited for one last crack.
Port Adelaide
Don't miss out on the headlines from Port Adelaide. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Port Adelaide defender Trent McKenzie concedes this is his last roll of the dice.
Revealing that he thought his AFL career might have been over when he was treading water in the SANFL in the middle of the season, the man nicknamed “The Cannon’’ because of his booming left-foot kick has this week been given a one-year contract extension following a standout SANFL finals campaign.
And now he is banking on a big pre-season — and the possible movement of a Power key defender — to finally cement a spot in Port’s AFL side.
Replay the 2019 Toyota AFL Grand Final in full on KAYO SPORTS. Get your 14-day free trial and start streaming instantly >
“I wasn’t confident during the year that I’d get another contract,’’ former Gold Coast backman McKenzie said.
“I’ve had a few injury setbacks and being in the SANFL makes it hard to re-sign.
“But I found some form towards the end of the season, which was good, and fortunately was given a new deal.
“But this is definitely my last roll of the dice.’’
McKenzie, 27, has played only two AFL games in two years for Port since being claimed as a delisted free agent at the end of 2017.
The first was against Essendon in round four last year and the second was in the final round this year against Fremantle, when he shone with 21 disposals, four marks and six rebound 50s.
McKenzie, 191cm, played 106 games in seven seasons for the Suns before being delisted.
Strong overhead, he believes injuries have held him back and that if he can get a full pre-season under his belt he can push for a regular spot in the Power’s back six next season, particularly if Dougal Howard, who is exploring his trade options, is no longer at the club.
Another defender, Dan Houston, has pushed into the midfield and will most likely start in the centre square next year after his third placing in Port's club champion award.
“Getting consistency in my body has held me back,’’ McKenzie told SEN, adding he viewed his best position as a high half-back flanker.
“I get some good form and then get let down by a little injury, so hopefully I am able to stay on the park and get the chance to play more consistent footy.
“I had shoulder surgery last pre-season and missed a lot of pre-season training, so hopefully I can take some momentum from my strong second half of the year, get a big pre-season under my belt and get a spot in that round one side.’’