Eric Mackenzie

Drafted by West Coast with pick 29 in the 2006 National Draft, Eric Mackenzie emerged from Claremont as a traditional key defender who became the backbone of the Eagles' backline for over a decade. While he lacked the rebounding flair of some modern defenders, Mackenzie was a pure lockdown specialist known for his spoiling ability, discipline, and deceptive straight-line speed. His career peak came in 2014, a season where he was widely considered one of the best full-backs in the competition. In a testament to his defensive dominance, he won the John Worsfold Medal as the club's best and fairest that year, edging out teammate Matt Priddis—who had won the Brownlow Medal the very same season.

Mackenzie's career was unfortunately punctuated by significant setbacks, most notably a torn ACL in the 2015 pre-season that forced him to miss the club's entire run to the Grand Final. He returned to play a vital role as a veteran mentor, but his most enduring highlight occurred in the dying moments of the 2017 Elimination Final against Port Adelaide. With the scores tied in extra time, Mackenzie famously hunted down the ball and slammed his own body into the point post to prevent a rushing behind, a moment of high-IQ desperation that saved the game for West Coast. He retired at the end of 2018 after persistent foot injuries made it impossible to continue, leaving a legacy as one of the most reliable defenders in the club's history.