For the first time in four years, Trent McKenzie will be looking to complete his first full pre-season campaign. 

In previous summers, McKenzie has often been limited in his ability to get on the track, as a troublesome knee injury continually restricted the “Cannon” from completing tthe pre-season ensuring a strong fitness base.

But with his knee no longer causing him grief, GC SUNS assistant coach Dean Solomon says the opportunity to complete full summer of training  could not have come at a better time for the 21-year-old Gold Coaster, having just produced his best season despite his delayed start to the 2013 season. 

“Trent was great this season, and no doubt was it his best year at the football club,” Solomon told goldcoastfc.com.au.

“He is such a natural footballer, and the best thing is he has so much upside left in his game. He only completed 35% of the pre-season last summer.”

Solomon said slight adjustments to McKenzie’s training regime had been the catalyst behind the key defender’s strong form in 2013, but said the 191cm Victorian was aware of what was needed from him over the break this time around.

“He understands that this off-season it is important to get some quality rest and recovery, but to also get himself in shape and give himself every opportunity to put together a complete pre-season – because for all of our players to be successful they need to have that mindset.”

But the defensive mentor said the club had learned to better manage player injuries, and made a strong emphasis to ensure they didn’t rush McKenzie back into the starting line-up early, as had been the case in previous years.

“We didn’t rush him back this year like we had in the past, where we got him back underdone and as we found out skills tend to drop away with players that come in with fatigue,” he said.

Regardless, the 2001 Premiership player was anticipating significant improvement from McKenzie in 2014.

“I’m expecting a lot more improvement from him.”