Foundation SUN Trent McKenzie is eyeing a round one berth in 2017 as he looks to become the fifth player to reach the 100-game mark for the Gold Coast.

Jarrod Harbrow (114 games), Tom Lynch (102), Michael Rischitelli (100) and Matt Shaw (100) all marked a century in the red and gold last season and it’s a milestone that has been a long time coming for the 24-year-old.

McKenzie has been stranded on 99 games since round 14 after suffering a quad injury against Hawthorn before straining his groin in the NEAFL weeks later to prematurely end his 2016 campaign.

“Hopefully play round one, get my hundredth game, that’d be nice,” McKenzie told goldcoastfc.com.au.

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“It’s taken a long time but (my goal for next year is) just be consistent and have a good season.”

A more mature McKenzie returned to pre-season training early this year in a bid to fast track his recovery and is not far away from re-joining the main group.

“I’m getting pretty old now, I think nearly 25, so another pre-season and looking forward to getting back out there with the boys,” he said.

“(Recovery is) going well. Hopefully a couple of weeks away.

“Still strengthening it up and getting the change of direction and top speed back so not too far away.”