Mark McKenzie Retires

[Aerie]

Joining the exodus of great modern day SANFL players is Mark McKenzie. Below is an email from the Eagles club:

The WWTFC can announce that Mark McKenzie has made the decision to retire.

In a magnificent career spanning 10 years from 2002 to 2012 (he spent the 2003 season on Carlton’s Rookie list) Mark set a new standard of playing excellence at the Eagles Football Club.

His ability to read the play was second to none in the competition, his composure with ball in hand and distribution from half back was at times sublime not to mention his courage, constantly playing on bigger opponents or positioning himself in front of an oncoming key forward.

After being selected by the Port Adelaide Football Club at pick 43 in the 2001 Rookie Draft and then taken by the Eagles in the following mini draft, Mark played 214 League games for the Eagles, kicking 67 goals. His debut for the League team was in Rd 2, 2002 against West Adelaide after playing the previous week in the Reserves team (his only Reserves game for the Club).

He is a 5 time Club Champion (2005, 2006, joint 2008, 2009, 2011) and 2 time Premiership player (2006, 2011 captain).


On his decision to retire Mark McKenzie said "I’m privileged to have played at such a great Club like the Eagles Football Club. The success we’ve achieved over the last 10 years has made the time at the Club so memorable and enjoyable. I’ve made such great life long friendships and I’m very thankful for all the people responsible for the culture at the Eagles".

"I guess there was always going to be that time where we all have to move on as players. Unfortunately due to an increase in work responsibilities my time is now and as much as you wish you could play forever, I now look forward to the next phase of my life here in Melbourne. I will always call the Eagles home and look forward to supporting the boys in returning deep into finals action in 2013 and beyond"

"So many fantastic people over the years have helped me along the way and I would like to specifically mention all the past and current players who I have played with that make the Club what it is today. Luckily the club attracts so many good people that it’s hard to leave such a great environment. That’s why the Club will continue to be successful on and off the field for years to come. Thankyou to my family for all their support over the years and to all the past and current coaches, administration staff, members and supporters I thank you for the support you’ve given me and wish you well in the future".

He added "I wish Godsy and all players, coaches and staff all the best for the upcoming season and there’s no doubt it wont be too long until the club again experiences the ultimate success as it did in 2011".

Coach Michael Godden said "Mark has been an outstanding player for our Club. With 2 Premiership medals and 5 Club Champions he will most certainly go down as one of the greats from an on field perspective but his greatest legacy will be having helped create a fantastic culture that I am sure our younger players will take on the responsibility of continuing".

"I personally wish Mark all the very best for the future and thank him for his contribution during my time on and off the field. We will share the memory of standing on the dais raising the 2011 Premiership Cup together forever".

President Kurt Slaven said "Mark McKenzie retires as the most decorated player in the modern history of the Eagles Football Club".

"He typifies all that our Club wants from its players. He has been a dedicated and loyal servant of the Eagles and for that matter, of the SANFL competition, and will be sorely missed".

Please join us in thanking Mark for his wonderful contribution to the Eagles.

[Big Phil]

Glad he got his own thread, thoroughly deserving of one...

A great player and top bloke...

[Mark_Beswick]

Makes sense why Eagles were after Kirk and making such a huge play for the south boys!

[Mark_Beswick]

Also forgot to post what a champion player he has been - Always a huge THORN in the games West Adelaide played against the eagles! Wonderful player

[LPH]

What number did he wear?

[Mr Fuller]

Just a tremendous player. You know how great a player is when they are held in as high regard by opposition players and supporters as he is by players and supporters on your own team.

I'm sure had he been living in SA he'd be playing on but as it is, the fly-in fly out arrangement from Melbourne was ultimatley unsustainable. Hopefully the eagles can give him a bit of a send-off acknowledgment at their first game next year.

Sad to see yet another SANFL modern great making 2012 their last season

[Big Phil]

Comments from Macca on Localfootysa...

http://www.adelaidenow.com.au/sport/afl ... 6498774323

[Aerie]

Just a tremendous player. You know how great a player is when they are held in as high regard by opposition players and supporters as he is by players and supporters on your own team.

I'm sure had he been living in SA he'd be playing on but as it is, the fly-in fly out arrangement from Melbourne was ultimatley unsustainable. Hopefully the eagles can give him a bit of a send-off acknowledgment at their first game next year.

Sad to see yet another SANFL modern great making 2012 their last season

Agree with all of this. He was very well respected.

Sad to think we won't be seeing him play again after indications were he may be able to play on next season. Of course understandable that he can't.

He is/was my favourite player. So reliable and so creative either at half back or in the middle. His hands were as clean as you could get, even on wet muddy days. For some reason a game against Sturt at Unley in the bog always stands out to me. Can't even remember what year it was but he absolutely dominated and while every other player was making it look like the scrap it should have been, he was handling the ball like it was a sunny spring day at Adelaide Oval or Football Park.

He will end up with Head, Hank, Bills, Blight, Payze and Rogers as a Life Governor at the Eagles. He is a champion!

[DOC]

A fantastic player who deserves the accolades. A great reader of the game across half back and from what I gather, a genuine good bloke. Hope he has success in his future plans.

[Macca19]

Great player. One of my favourites. Should have played AFL.

[wedgetail]

An absolute favourite of all Eagles' supporters. His versatility, ability to read the play and sublime skills made him a level above most other SANFL players. The number of times he took a crucial mark or intercepted an opposition play or committed a sacrificial act are too many to mention. He leaves a masive hole to fill both on and off the field. A very humble and deserving champion.

[The Sleeping Giant]

Wonder who his toughest opponent was.

[dedja]

Harvey ... Jimmy Stewart's mate

[Bunton]

superstar - will be very hard to replace

[JK]

The most natural footballer I've seen in the modern era, an absolute champion .. A lot of supporters will be happy he won't be destroying their club any longer

[MightyEagles]

What number did he wear?

57 I believe.

[leftlegger]

superstar - will be very hard to replace

Theyve already got Daniel Kirk from us.

Might not be as classy as McKenzie, but certainly a quality player.
Another one of my favourites gone. ho hum

[RB]

One of the best players of the modern era not to play AFL IMO. Will leave a big hole, especially with Grieger going. Why can't Hawthorn be based in Adelaide? Will be pissed off if they merge with the Power and move here or something like that!

[LPH]

Macca was a great player & club man for us.
Fantastic player - played that 'Quarterback' role across Half back beautifully.
Sure hands - a 'Collingwood 6 footer' type.
Will be missed.