SUPERBOOT Trent McKenzie might be flying under the radar, but it’s no surprise to any of his team mates or the Gold Coast SUNS coaching staff that the Cannon is starting to find his range from the back pocket.  

A injury-interrupted pre-season and a delayed start to the premiership campaign hasn’t been enough to stop McKenzie from bouncing back bigger and better in 2013 with the 191cm super boot averaging 20 disposals since returning to the senior team in the GC SUNS Round 5 clash against the GWS Giants.

McKenzie’s immensely powerful left-foot provides the Gold Coast with a dangerous attacking weapon and the ability to rebound the football outside the side’s defensive zones and into the Gold Coast’s forward-half in just seconds.

The star utility has credited a change to his training philosophy for his current strong form as a key defender.

“I’ve really tried to push myself as much as I can so that I can get the most out of our main training session, which has really helped me out a lot this season,” McKenzie said.

The Gold Coasters currently rank 2nd in the competition for rebounding 50’s, and while Dion Prestia, David Swallow and Luke Russell’s stint in the backline has impacted the SUNS counter-attack, GC SUNS assistant coach Dean Solomon is well aware McKenzie has been a significant contributor to the SUNS offensive ability in defence.

“Defensively he has really improved his ability to defend one-on-one but also is capable of leaving his man and influence the contest to help out his fellow defenders, so that has been really good,” he said.

“He’s been providing some great offense across half-back for us as well so that’s been a great asset considering he didn’t have a lot of fitness under his belt over the pre-season.”

Solomon believes McKenzie’s renewed professionalism and willing desire to be better could be the turning point for the emerging 21-year-old.

“Trent’s starting to learn what it takes to be an AFL footballer by reviewing his tape and really taking a proactive approach to researching his potential opposition each week,” Solomon said.

“While he’s starting to become more of an all-round footballer, he still has a long way to go and I’ve made it clear that I’m going to coach him hard and he’s responded well to that.”