The death of Tom MacKenzie
Mr. Thomas D. (Tommy) McKenzie, who died at his home, Holland street, Southwark, on Monday, was once a champion footballer of the Commonwealth. When young he gained a reputation as rover for West Torrens. He took part in many interstate contests, and represented the State at the first football carnival, held in Melbourne in 1908. At that carnival teams from six States and New Zealand took part, and Mr. McKenzie was one of the most prominent performers.
After several seasons with West Torrens be went to North Adelaide, and later returned to West Torrens, with which club he finished his football career. He won a number of trophies, among them the Magarey Medal on three occasions.
He saw service overseas with the A.I.F, and was reported killed. Since his return from abroad Mr. McKenzie had been employed at the Islington Railway Shops. In recent years he was a keen follower and supporter of West Torrens, and held a life membership of the Football League. His services abroad had impaired his health, and for some time he had been ill.
Concerning the former champion's demise, Mr. Frank Marlow, secretary of the South Australian Football League, said that he had always considered him a powerful factor in winning many games. In Victoria in 1901 McKenzie had played his first interstate match, and as manager of the South Australian team it was a personal delight to note his splendid prowess. There had been few footballers who had proved his superior, and perhaps it was as a rover that he had performed his best deeds.
From the News
Few footballers in South Australia earned such wide esteem as Mr Thomas David MacKenzie, triple Magarey medal winner. He played the game in accordance with its highest traditions.
"Tommy," as he was known among footballers throughout Australia, was unmarried. He died at his home, Holland street, Southwark, yesterday. His death was received with general regret, because it was felt that he was one of the finest players who ever donned a guernsey, and one who had done much for the winter game. He was buried at Cheltenham Cemetery this afternoon.
Like many other footballers, Mr MacKenzie saw service with the Australian Imperial Forces in the war. He was reported as having been killed, but the report proved untrue. Returning to South Australia impaired in health, he entered the service of the Railways Department at Islington.
Outstanding player
Mr F. Marlow (secretary of the South Australian Football League) said that he know Mr MacKenzie well. He was regarded as one of the outstanding players of all times. He was a member of the 1908 carnival side in Melbourne, and those who saw the matches agreed that the South Australian star was one of the most brilliant players of the series. He was 45 years of age at his death. He had played football for West Torrens and North Adelaide. He began with the blue-and-golds, and after several seasons with them went to North Adelaide, but returned to his old team. Many trophies came his way.
Clean and fair
With Dan Moriarty he held the distinction of having won on three occasions the Magarey Medal, which is presented for the fairest and most brilliant player. The Hon. L. L. Hill (Leader of the Opposition) played for Norwood at the time Mr MacKenzie was playing senior football, and he expressed sympathy with the relatives. "I played with him in interstate matches," said Mr. Hill, "and against him in club games. He was one of the finest rovers this State has produced. In fact, he was one of the finest in the Commonwealth. He was clean and fair in all games, and the type of player it was always a pleasure to play with or against."
Footnotes
Title: Obituary
Author: Register Staff Writer (Adelaide, SA : 1923 - 1954)
Publisher: The Register (Adelaide, SA: 1901-1929)
Date: Tuesday 29 Nov 1927, p.11
http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article54936176
Title: Brilliant footballer
Author: News Staff Writer (Adelaide, SA : 1923 - 1954)
Publisher: News (Adelaide, SA: 1923-1954)
Date: Tuesday 29 Nov 1927, p.5
Comments
Jim McBride 19 August 2015
I had wondered about the cause of his young death and this explains what was left unsaid at so many other sites including the official AFL locations which are too often rather sparse regarding non Victorians footballers
Adam Cardosi 4 September 2015
Tom MacKenzie was another of the many delayed casualties of the First World War. They weren't counted in the casualty figures but their health had been broken beyond repair.
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