4 Jake McKenzie
Half back
180cm, 72kg
Altona Vikings
Kretiuk says: “He played some really good games for us, but he had a lot of injuries throughout the year with sore calves and groins so I don’t think we saw the best of him.
“What he showed in the carnival [U18 national championships] when he played on some really handy players off a half-back flank, he did a really good job in a lockdown role, and he’s played some really good rebounding footy for us, too.
“Certainly the Jets didn’t see his best because of some little hiccups with injury, but what he showed in the carnival is that he can mix it with the best.
“I don’t think he’s as penetrating a kick as his brother (Trent, who plays for Gold Coast Suns in the AFL), but I think his ability in one-on-one contests is a lot better than where his brother was when he was at the Jets.
“He’s very good one on one and a very good decision-maker.”
