Mackenzie was drafted with Pick No. 7 in the 2022 AFL draft, and has become a key part of Hawthorn’s youthful core.
Mackenzie was born in London to a Canadian mother and a South African Father.
Due to his father being born in South Africa, Mackenzie was eligible to join St Kilda’s Next Generation Academy but due to his successes in his draft year, his draft stocks skyrocketed and St Kilda was unable to match Hawthorn’s bid for Mackenzie.
The 21-year-old flies under the radar as his high-profile friends in the forward line, including Nick Watson, Jack Ginnivan, and Connor MacDonald, take all the spotlight.
Mackenzie was a regular in Hawthorn’s high-powered forward-line and midfield, in their mid-season surge that saw them reach the semi-finals before losing to Port Adelaide on the road.
Unfortunately Mackenize did not feature in the 2024 AFL Finals series as he injured his hamstring two days before their finals series began.
Mackenzie has been quietly going about his business and has been gaining the approval of his teammates and coaches since arriving at Waverley Park at the end of 2022.
Two of his fellow half-forwards Connor MacDonald and Dylan Moore couldn’t speak more highly of Mackenzie on the and his prospects moving forward into the 2025 season.
“His side-to-side movement and agility is pretty special, he’s one that can definitely break out, given the right opportunity,” MacDonald told Fox footy.
“I think he’s been stuck behind some very good players for a few years, I think he can do some special things.”
Dylan Moore who placed second in Hawthorn’s bnf and was awarded his first All-Australian blazer in 2024, shared his praises for Mackenzie aswell.
“I don’t think he’s shown everyone what he’s capable of yet," he told Fox Footy.
“He’s got silky foot skills, he’s a little bit like Sam Mitchell, in ways, where he’s able to get out of traffic and out of congestion pretty easily, he’s one to look out for.”
Sam Mitchell’s fast flowing and exciting football has allowed the young Hawthorn forwards to flourish and soon enough Cam Mackenize will shine as a result of it.
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