Comeback kid
Recall is Eagle’s revival chance
WEST Coast defender Eric Mackenzie has been given the chance this weekend to resurrect his AFL career — and he’s set to raise a few eyebrows.
Mackenzie, one of the competition’s best key defenders several years ago, has struggled for opportunities and form since returning last season from a knee reconstruction.
With Jeremy McGovern and Tom Barrass edging ahead of him, Mackenzie notched just 13 AFL games last year, and only one this season.
But with coach Adam Simpson set to shuffle the deck chairs to cover for absent star forward Josh Kennedy, the 29-year-old Mackenzie has been recalled for tomorrow’s clash with Gold Coast at Metricon Stadium.
Simpson floated the prospect of Mackenzie being used up forward and in the ruck, despite booting just seven goals across his 135-game career.
“That’s the flexibility, hopefully, he brings to the side,” Simpson said of the 197cm Mackenzie, who could come up against 209cm Suns ruckman Jarrod Witts.
“He’s been probably East Perth’s best player for most of the year as a defender, and the last two or three weeks playing as a forward-ruck.
“He’s pretty raw. He’s no Polly Farmer.
“His greatest strength is as a key defender — I’m not crazy on that (front).
“But having a little bit of flexibility in your game, especially when we’ve got a lot of tall defenders, I think he’s identified that as another opportunity to play seniors. So he’s embraced it.”
Another option for Simpson is to play Mackenzie in a lockdown role on Tom Lynch in defence, freeing up Jeremy McGovern to swing forward.
Pinch-hitting ruckman Drew Petrie is also set for more time up forward as the Eagles attempt to find a way to cover Kennedy, who has won the past two Coleman medals.
“I don’t think we’ll be able to replace someone like Josh Kennedy. But finding different ways has got all of us energised,” Simpson said.
Mark LeCras (hip) and Luke Shuey (calf) will have to pass fitness tests on Friday.
The Suns will be boosted by the likely return of midfielder Gary Ablett (shoulder).
West Coast’s ruck and onball division have struggled badly in losses to Essendon and GWS.
Simpson said the midfield needed to start pulling their weight. Ruckman Scott Lycett has battled knee and shoulder problems for nine months, but he’ll return this weekend via the WAFL.
Simpson says the club will make a decision after the bye on whether Nic Naitanui will play this year.