Mackenzie tipped for All-Australian
Dual Coleman medallist Jack Riewoldt has endorsed West Coast full-back Eric Mackenzie for All-Australian honours this season.
On a tough night for big forwards, Mackenzie restricted Riewoldt to one goal at Patersons Stadium on Friday night - and that was when Jack Darling conceded a free kick to the spearhead in the dying stages of Richmond's 17-point win.
Mackenzie is having another strong season opposed to the opposition's best key forward every week and is firming for his first All-Australian jumper after being in the extended squad 12 months ago.
Riewoldt has had a number of battles with Mackenzie over the years, with the pair selected at picks 13 and 29 respectively in the 2006 national draft.
"He (Mackenzie) has come through the same draft as me and he has really blossomed as a very, very good key defender," Riewoldt said.
"I think he would be right up there for All-Australian honours this year.
"Conditions didn't sort of go in my favour, but he is a very, very tough defender and very good player.
"He is now the mainstay down there with Darren Glass going out and I know he's captained the Eagles as well so he has obviously good leadership. He is definitely someone they can build their back line around."
Riewoldt defended teammate Ty Vickery, who was public enemy No.1 in Perth after flooring retiring Dean Cox with a roundhouse fist.
"I think Tyrone has really taken his game to the next level," Riewoldt said.
"Internally he is a hugely, hugely valued member of our football club. There are a lot of things that we focus on that he does really well and now he's starting to get a few plaudits from the outside football community.
"He has been criticised unfairly by senior people in the media.I know what it's like to be a young key forward at Richmond, it can be a lot of pressure."
