Coburg are pleased to announce another signing with full-time AFL experience behind them, in former North Melbourne rookie listed player Tom McKenzie.
McKenzie was taken by North Melbourne in the 2019 rookie draft with their first pick (pick 10) following an outstanding 2018 season with the Northern Knights where he averaged 23 disposals from his seven games, represented Vic Metro in the national under 18 championships and won TAC Cup team of the year selection. He also recorded the fastest 20 metre sprint time at the national draft combine in 2018.
His time with at Arden Street didn’t quite to go plan however, when a small stress fracture in his back flared up early in the season and was unable to press his claims for an AFL debut. He was able to make it back for the last VFL game of the season, but it wasn’t enough for him to earn a spot on the list for 2020.
He signed with North Melbourne’s VFL team for 2020, but ultimately never got the opportunity to add to his sole VFL appearance due to the COVID-19 pandemic forcing North Melbourne to pull out of the proposed revised VFL competition for 2020. McKenzie did agree to terms for the revised season with Coburg only days before the competition was officially cancelled.
McKenzie can play either through the midfield or off halfback, shows great composure and sets up the play real with his pace and kicking.
McKenzie is looking forward to linking up again with his former Northern Knights teammates in Braedyn Gillard, Josh D’Intinosante, Jackson Davies and Ryan Sturgess.
“Looking from the outside in, Coburg has looked like a young, talented, tight knight group that are going to go places and that is something I really wanted to be a part of going forward.”
I just can’t wait to get back to playing football next year and getting to know everyone down at the club,” said McKenzie.
Coburg General Manager Sebastian Spagnuolo said of McKenzie’s signing “We are really excited to welcome Tom who is not only a good footballer but a high-quality person to our football club. Although still young himself, his experiences at AFL level will hold him in great stead and we believe he can play some good football with us to continue putting himself in the window for another crack at AFL level”
Over the next few days and weeks the club will continue to announce both re-singings and more new player signings as it prepares to succeed in 2021.
You can play your part and commit to the club as a member in 2021 by heading to following the club on all social media channels and ensuring that when the 2020 membership campaign is launched that you’re part of the club by becoming a member.
