2009 Player Review - # 49 Jordie McKenzie

[Demonland 71,311]

Jordie McKenzie – Jordie played three games this year. He is a really good stoppage player and is a tough competitor. We were really pleased with the way he developed and he'll be doing a lot of work with our midfield group over the summer. We think he is going to be a really good player because he's such a natural around the clearances and he does read it well off the ruckman's hands – similar to Sam Mitchell. He just needs to put on some size and he's been able to add some kilos this year – Sean Wellman on Melbournefc.com.au

[Chelly 810]

Really?

[Pipefitter 2,150]

We have the next Sam Mitchell!!! Do we even need to chase ball now?

[JACKATTACK 17]

I do rate McKenzie, I made a point of watching his game closely at the few Casey games I watched. I was most impressed by his kicking. I wouldn't have said he was a good inside player but it is interesting that the club sees that as his strength. I kind of imagine him being the new Wheatley.

[whelan45 203]

I thought his clearance work was the most impressive aspect of his game. He seemed smart with his handball and his kicking looked solid. The question mark I have is how much ball will he accumulate around the ground that doesn't come from stoppages?

[beelzebub 23,313]

raw, has potential... wait & see

[Nasher 33,607]

Awesome, Sam Mitchell III. And to think, we also recently delisted Sam Mitchell II recently.

I'm going to spew if I hear another rookie listed player be described as being like Sam Mitchell. It's become a massive cliche.

[Axis of Bob 11,674]

'Sam Mitchell Mk X' simply means that and player is slow, short and good in clearances. It's much the same as when everyone keeps quoting Greg Williams as an example of why we should draft a slow short player. The point of the matter is that you need to be as good as Sam Mitchell or Greg Williams to make it as that sort of player - they're both freaks!!

That said, I don't view Jordie as a Sam Mitchell clone. He's taller and more athletic than Mitchell. Wellman was just referring to Jordie's ability to read the ball at stoppages as being similar to Mitchell. He's been very impressive so far and I though played very well in his AFL appearances too. He doesn't look rushed, makes good decisions, has a very good tank and also works very hard defensively. In the future I see him as being a very good run with player. He actually appears to be very strong and has the ability to get his hand into contests and win one on one contests which are very good attributes for a run with player. Not flashy, but doesn't make many mistakes. I think he's one that is somewhat under-rated by supporters at the moment.

[beelzebub 23,313]

'Sam Mitchell Mk X' simply means that and player is slow, short and good in clearances. It's much the same as when everyone keeps quoting Greg Williams as an example of why we should draft a slow short player. The point of the matter is that you need to be as good as Sam Mitchell or Greg Williams to make it as that sort of player - they're both freaks!!

That said, I don't view Jordie as a Sam Mitchell clone. He's taller and more athletic than Mitchell. Wellman was just referring to Jordie's ability to read the ball at stoppages as being similar to Mitchell. He's been very impressive so far and I though played very well in his AFL appearances too. He doesn't look rushed, makes good decisions, has a very good tank and also works very hard defensively. In the future I see him as being a very good run with player. He actually appears to be very strong and has the ability to get his hand into contests and win one on one contests which are very good attributes for a run with player. Not flashy, but doesn't make many mistakes. I think he's one that is somewhat under-rated by supporters at the moment.

Be happy to take that any day. So much of th epillis wasted after hard work with poor disposal. Am interested to see how he progresses ( should he ) in 010

[1858 285]

Some of these player reviews you have to take with a grain of salt but I must say that for a player who had limited game time, McKenzie's review did stick out to me at the time. Even if we can't get him on the senior list you'd think he would be a strong contender for the mid-season nominated rookie in 2010. He could compliment our list of young mids well or at least keep them honest.

[Deestroy All 14,262]

I rate him highly, impressed me nearly every time at Casey, his creative. quick handball is great for todays game, it often makes the receiver break into space.

I don't know if he'll survive on our list, competing with so many higher picks/talents, not sure how competitive he is. But I reckon he has the attributes to make a good AFL player.

[Whispering_Jack 29,769]

I think that many of the references to Sam Mitchell are to make the point that Mitchell was initially overlooked in the main draft and had to make his way into the AFL by putting in the hard yards at VFL level. I think McKenzie is a different type of footballer but if he makes it via the rookie list then he will also have done it hard like Mitchell.

I like Jordie and I think he has the potential to add a different dimension alongside a potential future midfield that might one day contain names like Grimes, Scully and Trengove.

[Bring-Back-Powell 14,762]

Was awarded high praise from Dennis and Bruce during the ch 7 rd 22 telecast against the Saints.

Could be a player.

[Tatu 416]

We have the next Sam Mitchell!!! Do we even need to chase ball now?

Mckenzie had a real spark about him, could be a solid player in a couple of years.

If MFC get Luke Ball, IMO he'll strugle to get a game in 2/3 years.

Mclean would of had the same trouble, with the youngstars coming though.

[JACKATTACK 17]

If MFC get Luke Ball, IMO he'll strugle to get a game in 2/3 years.

Mclean would of had the same trouble, with the youngstars coming though.

This thread is full of horrible cliches.

[Deeoldfart 8,005]

............................. He's been very impressive so far and I though played very well in his AFL appearances too. He doesn't look rushed, makes good decisions, has a very good tank and also works very hard defensively. In the future I see him as being a very good run with player. He actually appears to be very strong and has the ability to get his hand into contests and win one on one contests which are very good attributes for a run with player. Not flashy, but doesn't make many mistakes. I think he's one that is somewhat under-rated by supporters at the moment.

I fully agree Axis. I have been thinking for a while that Barts is expendable on our list because Jordie is coming through. I think in 12 months time Jordie will be the equal of Bartram endurance-wise and defensively, and from the limited amount that I have seen, he is already well ahead in terms of awareness, decision making and disposal skills.

[Rogue 585]

IMO the jury's still out and won't be back for a little while yet but he looks alright.

However, I think the expectation that he'll make it would be about 1/8 of what they are if DB/CC hadn't talked him up.