McKenzie keen for chance to don boots

IRONWOMAN Danielle McKenzie has sounded out a potential mid-year Australian rules debut after taking her first tentative steps into the sport.

McKenzie was one of 90 females to take part in the Gold Coast Suns AFLW testing day at Metricon Stadium where she produced a 7.38 minute 2km time trial, 60cm running vertical leap and a nous for kicking with both feet to prove she had the capabilities to make it as a footballer.

The Northcliffe surf club athlete – who is in fifth place in the Nutri-Grain Ironwoman Series – will forgo her usual winter off-season in order to lace up the boots with a local Australian rules club.

Suns officials have recommended players hoping to make it in the sport join a local league where they will be monitored by the club entering the AFLW in 2020.

“I’m just looking for a team to join,” McKenzie said. “I’m still competing in surf life saving until April but I think the winter season kicks off at the end of that month so it’s pretty much perfect timing.”

McKenzie, 23, usually takes a few months off training at the end of April before preparing for long-distance events.

The New Zealander said she was surprised by her promising initiation to Australian rules on Saturday and was more eager than ever to play.

“I went better than expected,” McKenzie said.

“Coming from a waterbased beach sport I think I did pretty well. It was a really cool environment to be part of and I had a really good time. I absolutely loved the testing we did.”

The Mermaid Waters resident said she had made contact with members of the Coolangatta Bluebirds but suggested a club like Bond University might suit her location more.

Gold Coast’s new AFL coach Stuart Dew, list manager Craig Cameron and football manager Jon Haines were all on hand for the testing.

Suns AFLW football operations project leader Brett Munro said the calibre of athletes showing an interest in the sport gave the club confidence.

“It was fantastic and the quality was really good,” he said