Australian Football

Between 1985 and 1990 Warren McKenzie played 67 games and kicked 43 goals for Carlton, alternating for much of that time between seniors and reserves. Tall at 190cm, but smooth moving and agile, he played in no fewer than five grand finals during his time with the Blues, two at senior level and three in the seconds. The undoubted highlight came when he started on the bench in the 1987 flag decider against Hawthorn, which Carlton won resoundingly. His last game in the old dark navy blue was the 1990 reserves grand final which the Blues also won. The other three grand finals - 1986 in seniors, 1984 and 1985 in the twos - ended in defeat.

At the end of the 1990 season McKenzie was somewhat surprisingly traded to Sydney where he continued to produce good football, registering 21 games and 13 goals in two seasons, but failing to settle in the Harbour City. Accordingly the 1993 season found him back in Melbourne and plying his trade with VFA side Sandringham where he remained until the end of the following year, although he was not a member of the Zebras’ 1994 premiership-winning combination.

Author - John Devaney