Australian Football

An audaciously talented half forward specialist, Bob McKenzie had a big impact on the game during his comparatively brief, 125-game VFL career. Quick off the mark, beautifully balanced, and a superb kick for goal, whether on the run or from a set shot, McKenzie was a virtual ever present in VFL interstate combinations during the early 1950s, donning the famous navy and white jumper a total of nine times.

McKenzie had the quintessential match-winner's ability to be more or less unsighted for long periods before suddenly bursting to life with three or four goals over a short space of time. His career average of more than two goals a game (he kicked 254 in all) was quite exceptional for a half forward, and he topped Melbourne's goal kicking list on three occasions.

Having been forced to sit out the 1954 Grand Final, which Melbourne lost Footscray, through suspension, McKenzie more than made amends the following year, his last in league football, when he contributed a couple of goals from his customary half forward flank to the Demons' 28-point Grand Final defeat of Collingwood.

McKenzie's son, Robert McKenzie junior, played 42 VFL games for Melbourne between 1969 and 1972.

Author - John Devaney