Former St Kilda wingman Dan McKenzie is said to be in line to train with two AFL clubs as he looks to land a second chance in the league following his Moorabbin departure.
McKenzie was cut from the Saints at the cessation of the 2023 season with the club initially planning to invite the 27-year-old back for pre-season training where he could contest for a vacant list spot.
St Kilda revealed after the draft period that they would not have room for McKenzie however, forcing the midfielder to explore his options elsewhere.
The nine-season and 73-gamer is now reportedly set to train with both Fremantle and Gold Coast over the next month during the Supplemental Selection Period.
According toย AFL.com.au's Cal Twomey, McKenzie will first venture to Western Australia and train with the Dockers, who have two available list spots, before heading to Carrara.
Gold Coast will also get a look at McKenzie, who will train at the Dockers and then the Suns as well as he pushes for an AFL lifeline through the SSP before the February 19 deadline. Part of the SSP that multiple clubs can get time with players they are considering. https://t.co/QMseNnsTBo
— Callum Twomey (@CalTwomey) January 10, 2024
The Dockers confirmed Twomey's reports on Monday, stating that the Victorian had been added as a train-on player after being approved by the AFL.
Former St Kilda wingman Daniel McKenzie will join the Club as a train-on player this pre-season โคต๏ธ#foreverfreo
— Fremantle Dockers (@freodockers) January 15, 2024
Fremantle had former Essendon forward Patrick Voss, Woodville-West Torrens talent Max Beattie and local forward Sam van Rooyen training as part of the SSP's opening window.
The signing period will re-commence on January 15 and will run until February 19, with the Dockers and Suns among several clubs with train-on players and available list spots.
Gold Coast have had former Kangaroos defender Aiden Bonar and McKenzie's ex-teammate Jack Peris training under new coach Damien Hardwick this pre-season, with the Queensland club set to make a call on whether to invite either player back when they return to training next week.
McKenzie had garnered reported interest from the Suns last year, however a move for the free agent would not arise.
A year-long battle with a calf issue kept McKenzie to the sidelines for the entire 2023 season, with the wingman heading overseas for specialist treatment before not being offered a new deal by the Saints.
Fremantle players return to training on Thursday, with McKenzie's start in the club's program yet to be confirmed.
