Cam Mackenzie is one of a number of youngish Hawks who have had solid preseasons and are looking to cement a best 22 spot in a team that looks to be heading back to September action already. Injury and suspension have opened up spots in the centre, allowing Mackenzie and Josh Ward to escape the wings and flanks to which they had been consigned and enjoy many more centre bounce attendances. The depth of Hawthorn's midfield is strong, and Mackenzie may very well make way for returning stars with better pedigrees before too long, but hay is being made right now.
Cam Mackenzie is one of a number of youngish Hawks who have had solid preseasons and are looking to cement a best 22 spot in a team that looks to be heading back to September action already. Injury and suspension have opened up spots in the centre, allowing Mackenzie and Josh Ward to escape the wings and flanks to which they had been consigned and enjoy many more centre bounce attendances. The depth of Hawthorn's midfield is strong, and Mackenzie may very well make way for returning stars with better pedigrees before too long, but hay is being made right now.
Cam Mackenzie has turned a corner this year, something that was evident during preseason and has not always led to prolific ball-winning, but is definitely discernible as he grows into his body. Hawthorn have chosen to play him over a similar conveyance in Harry Morrison as a B-rotation midfielder, which has led to the Hawks midfield getting belted on the inside in some games in 2024 as Sam Mitchell sacrificed short-term strength over the footy for hard-won experience. If you picked him as a POD in fantasy this year he hasn't quite come on, but long-term signs are healthy.
