Former St Kilda wingman Daniel McKenzie has landed at Port Melbourne for the 2024 season following a frantic few months for the delisted midfielder.
McKenzie, who was cut from the Saints last November, was a chance to train for a list spot at Moorabbin prior to the club not having the room for his services in the wake of a busy draft period.
The 27-year-old was then afforded the chance to train with Fremantle as a potential Supplemental Selection Period addition, only for a minor hamstring strain to hamper his chances towards the end of his summer stint in Western Australia.
McKenzie was set to train with Gold Coast ahead of the SSP deadline, with his ailment also preventing him from earning a second chance at the Suns.
The Blackburn native has since returned to Victoria, signing with Port Melbourne for the coming VFL season.
“I can't wait to start training with Skrob (coach Adam Skrobalak) and the boys, the program and squad they have put together is exciting and we are all focused on playing finals footy this year” McKenzie said via the club's announcement.
McKenzie played 73 games for the Saints between 2015-2022, with the outside midfielder sidelined for most of last year due to a calf issue. St Kilda had sent McKenzie to Germany during the recent off-season to aid his ongoing battle with soft-tissue injuries.
As the latest signing for the Borough, McKenzie adds to a strong off-season of recruitment for Port Melbourne, who have also signed ex-AFL players Sam Philp, Lachie Rankin, Flynn Kroeger, Robbie McComb, Thomas Highmore, Billy Gowes, Roarke Smith and Kye Turner for 2024.
The standalone VFL club also secured the signature of former Essendon forward Patrick Voss prior to his successful SSP stint with Fremantle.
Port Melbourne's 2024 season gets underway on Saturday, March 23, with a trip to Queensland to face Southport.