Des McKenzie
Richmond
AFL career
16 games0 goals
- Debut
- R12 1968 v COL6 July 1968
- Most recent
- R8 1969 v CAR24 May 1969
Stats
Bio
Des McKenzie was a tough, solidly built defender whose brief VFL career was defined by immense promise and unfortunate timing. Recruited from Robinvale via Grong Grong Matong after attracting interest from multiple league clubs, the former police sergeant brought a fearless, physical approach to the Tigers' half-back line. He made an immediate impression at Punt Road, claiming Richmond's Best First Year Player award in 1968 and looking every bit a long-term senior regular. However, his career was effectively over by the midway point of the following season, as a severe knee injury forced him into premature retirement at just 24, robbing him of the chance to participate in the club's 1969 premiership triumph.
Profile
- Born
- 15 Mar 1945
- Died
- 25 May 2016 (aged 71y 71d)
- Height
- 185 cm
- Weight
- 89 kg
Teams
Bio
1 revisionDes McKenzie was a tough, solidly built defender whose brief VFL career was defined by immense promise and unfortunate timing. Recruited from Robinvale via Grong Grong Matong after attracting interest from multiple league clubs, the former police sergeant brought a fearless, physical approach to the Tigers' half-back line. He made an immediate impression at Punt Road, claiming Richmond's Best First Year Player award in 1968 and looking every bit a long-term senior regular. However, his career was effectively over by the midway point of the following season, as a severe knee injury forced him into premature retirement at just 24, robbing him of the chance to participate in the club's 1969 premiership triumph.