Hawthorn midfielder Cam Mackenzie is set to play his 50th AFL match when the Hawks take on Port Adelaide at Marvel Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
Born in London to South African parents, Mackenzie’s family moved to Australia when he was one year old.
After connecting with a few schoolmates, he chose Hawthorn as the team he would support, and from there, he never looked back.
The 22-year-old was drafted to the Club with Pick 7 in 2022 following his junior football where he represented Beaumaris, Brighton Grammar and the Sandringham Dragons.
Mackenzie didn’t have to wait long to make his league debut, suiting up against Essendon in Round 1, 2023. He bursted onto the scene with an impressive 18 disposals and nine contested possessions in his first outing.
The composed midfielder would go on to play the next 14 games of that season and earn a Rising Star nomination in the process, highlighting his potential at the elite level.
Mackenzie continued to develop his game in 2024 with 20 matches under his belt before missing Hawthorn’s finals campaign with a hamstring injury.
After an injury interrupted 2025, Mackenzie progression has been evident in 2026 as he prepares for his 50th game this weekend.
Mackenzie reflected on his career so far on the Talking Hawks podcast.
"I've obviously loved it, I grew up a Hawks man, and it's been unreal these first three and a bit years to meet all the boys," he said.
"It's been such a welcoming and awesome environment to come to work every day.
"Even now, starting at Dingley, I still can't believe how good it is.
"I love the group, and it's just all awesome."
Mackenzie joins Karl Amon in celebrating a milestone on Saturday, with the latter preparing to run out for the 200th time.
