1 day Ago By Brent Godde
Young Yackandandah midfielder Sam McKenzie has already racked-up two claims to fame so far during his short football career. or signup to continue reading In a proud achievement for the McKenzie family, Sam and his father David are the only father and son combination to have played in the club's two most recent flags. David played in the Roos' 2000 flag under coach Ross Hedley while Sam was able to follow in his father's footsteps last season in his first year at the club after crossing from Wodonga Raiders.
A talented junior, Sam also boasts the rare feat of having won the under-14s, under-16s and thirds best and fairests during his time at Birallee Park. Sam, 21, wasn't even born when David claimed BOG honours in the Roos' 2000 flag triumph. The 2000 decider is regarded as one of the greatest grand final comebacks in league history after the Roos trailed the Tigers by a whopping 44-points mid-way through the second term.
They won 17.19 (121) to 17.9 (111) to claim what was only the club's second flag in the competition.
Sam revealed his father was overcome with emotion witnessing his son taste the ultimate success at Sandy Creek last year. "I think Dad was more proud of me than I was of myself to be honest," Sam said. "It was a massive day for the Yackandandah community with all the grades of football winning on the day.
"It's no secret that the seniors have been through a lean patch since 2000, so it was well deserved. "To find out that Dad and I were the only father and son to play in both flags was a proud moment for both of us." McKenzie played 30 odd senior matches for Wodonga Raiders after making his senior debut under coach Marc Almond in 2022 before crossing to Yackandandah last year.
"I used to play a bit of juniors out at Yackandandah on the Saturday and AWJFL on the Sunday," he said. "Ue and Uke Jarratt convinced me to come on board last year and I had a few other mates out there like Ray Furrugia. "We are are close-knit bunch of players and we a like one big massive family out there.
"It's a lot different than Wodonga Raiders, I will admit. "It's a bit more laid back during the week but we know when to flick the switch on game day and have that competitive edge. "It refreshing to get out to training, throw a bit of banter at the boys and hang out with your best mates.
"I think that close bond was a huge driving force behind winning the flag last year. "It was a surreal experience standing in the middle of the Yackandandah Oval after the grand final when all the seniors, reserves, thirds and supporters formed a huge circle and sang the club song together. "There were a few fireworks as well and it was just an amazing moment that I will cherish forever.
" McKenzie is a big fan of teammate and man mountain Zack Leitch who is a cult figure at the Roos but is also the main target for sledges from rival supporters. "Let'ts be honest, big Leitchy is the sort of player you love to have on your side and the sort of player you love to hate if he isn't," he said. "He is a great character to be around.
.. you can say what your want but his physical presence and aggression on the field is inspirational for his teammates.
"He is definitely the most lippiest player I've seen on a footy field. "But he is arguably our most valuable player and has the biggest influence in big matches, like we all saw on grand final day." McKenzie was also to pinpoint inspirational Roos skipper Ben McIntonsh as the player that has had the most influence on him during his short stint at Yackandandah so far.
"Benny Mac is a quality bloke that I can't speak highly enough about and I know will always have my back," he said. "Benny is such a loyal bloke who leads by example and gets the best out of all his teammates. "I wouldn't want to be led out onto the ground in the colours I wear by any other player than Ben.
"Ben has got such a high morale compass not only on the football field but also outside of sport and the values he holds makes him the best bloke at the club in my opinion." Daily Today's top stories curated by our news team. Weekdays Grab a quick bite of today's latest news from around the region and the nation.
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