McKenzie continues to step up
Melbourne's Jordie McKenzie says he is continuing to learn after performing a fantastic shut-down job on David Mundy on Sunday
Melbourne fell short of victory at Subiaco Oval, but stormed back from a 44-point deficit to get within a solitary point and McKenzie's run-with job on David Mundy played a big part in that.
Mundy had 15 possessions and kicked two goals before McKenzie went to him, but after that the 20-year-old kept him to four disposals in the second half and finished with 21 himself.
"It was a good battle in the second half," McKenzie said. "He's obviously a very good player and in good form, and was going well in the first half.
"It was a good challenge and a lot of faith was put in me to go with him so I really enjoyed the challenge and it was a good experience.
"Each week going in the midfield you are going to come up against quality opposition no matter the team. I'm just trying to take a bit from each game, learn and take it into next week. This is just another learning experience on a taller midfielder and hopefully I learn from it."
McKenzie made his debut with three games late last season and has taken the next step this season not only by learning off some of the game's best midfielders, but by also developing into being able to win plenty of his own ball.
"It's the best type of training to go out there up against these types of fellas who are the elite in the competition," he said. "They show you why they are the elite so by going with them you learn all the little things that they do that makes them good.
"I don’t want to be too negative in the midfield and it's an important area to try and hurt them when we do have the footy rather than being all one way. It was good to get off him at times and get a little bit of my own footy."
McKenzie is looking forward to the last six games of the season starting this Sunday against the Sydney Swans at the MCG and hopes he continues to be given the big jobs.
"We just want to win. We've got five and a half wins at the moment and have some winnable games coming up so we just want to be consistent and finish the season off strongly," he said.
"They've obviously got some good midfielders with (Jarrad) McVeigh, (Brett) Kirk and (Adam) Goodes going through there so there will be roles given no doubt."