Trent McKenzie

Date of Birth: 03/04/1992

Club: Port Adelaide FC

Games (Goals): 125 (22)

Recruited From: 2009 NAB AFL Draft, Gold Coast Concession Pick from Western Jets (TAC Cup)

Trent was selected by the Gold Coast Suns as one of twelve 17 year olds the new franchise had access to in the 2009 NAB AFL Draft. This was a big move for Trent and his family, as he was finishing his Year 11 studies and playing footy with his mates at the Western Jets in the TAC Cup. Trent however seized the opportunity and relocated to the Gold Coast immediately to finish his Year 12 studies and commence training in a professional full time program.

By relocating at the age of 17, Trent got the jump on his rivals by spending an entire year preparing for his AFL debut in 2011. This included a full time training regime under the guidance of Guy McKenna and his assistants, whilst playing in the VFL competition. 

Renowned for his booming left foot, Trent was quickly nicknamed the “Cannon” by the Gold Coast community and now has a cult following because of this trait. From his AFL debut to now, Trent has never looked out of his depth at AFL level which resulted in him being selected in the AFLPA’s Best 22 players of the age of 22 or under in 2013. 

Unfortunately the 2016, 2017, and 2018 seasons were riddled with soft tissue and other injuries resulting in Trent playing a grand total of 15 games across the three seasons. Although suffering a setback in the 2019 pre-season due to a shoulder injury, Trent’s recovered well and had a constant season in the SANFL, before playing the last round of the AFL Season. Fortunately Trent showed enough and was re-contracted to 2020, where he finally had some luck with his body featuring in almost each of Port Adelaide’s games and having his best season for the club. This was rewarded with a 2 year contract extension where he hopes to play a key role in taking the team to the next level in 2021.