FIRED ‘CANNON’ TO PROVIDE PORT WITH POWER
PORT Adelaide’s search for experience – and insurance – is bringing Gold Coast defender Trent McKenzie to Alberton from the AFL’s delisted stock.
The booming left-footer, known as “The Cannon”, is the Power’s first signing in the delisted free-agent market that should also deliver North Melbourne forward Lindsay Thomas in a homecoming to Port Adelaide. McKenzie, 25, joins the Power after being claimed by Gold Coast for their inaugural AFL list in 2010.
He played 106 AFL games in seven years with the Suns, but just seven in each of the past two seasons.
McKenzie becomes the fourth experienced player seeking new fortunes at Alberton in a busy off-season.
He follows Brisbane freeagent midfielder Tom Rockliff, Geelong free-agent midfielder-forward Steven Motlop and Melbourne key position player Jack Watts.
McKenzie was handpicked by the Power management team after the exit list at Alberton became longer than originally expected.
There were 10 changes – a quarter of the senior list – with retirements, trades and delistings.
“When Trent is fit, we are all aware of his talent, particularly by foot,” Power list manager Jason Cripps said yesterday.
“We think he can certainly fill a need for us with his kicking.
“We are confident our high-performance team will ensure Trent has the best opportunity to maximise his career here at Port Adelaide.”
McKenzie will join the Power in pre-season training on Thursday, November 27.