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Ellie McKenzie was selected by Richmond with pick one in the 2020 NAB AFL Women’s Draft. At 176cm, McKenzie is a powerful athlete that can play as a forward or midfielder. She has explosive speed, is an excellent stoppage player, and has a long, penetrating left-foot kick. The 22-year-old was outstanding in her debut AFLW season, finishing runner-up in the NAB Rising Star and Richmond’s AFLW best and fairest. McKenzie, who is regarded as one of the competition’s brightest talents had an interrupted 2022 summer campaign due to injury but recaptured her best form in Season 7, making the All-Australian squad and finishing 4th in the Tigers best and fairest. McKenzie unfortunately was again sidelined throughout 2023, playing just one match, which was a game she received coaches votes in as the Tigers defeated Brisbane on the road. McKenzie gave a huge boost to the Tigers’ lineup in 2024 averaging a damaging 18 disposals per match to re-establish herself as one of competition’s premier players. With a clean bill of health, she can improve again in 2025 which is exciting for the Tigers.

AWARDS: AFLW Best First Year Player (2021), 2nd Richmond AFLW Best and Fairest (2021), 3rd Richmond AFLW Best and Fairest (2024), Rising Star Nominee (2021), 2x AFLW All Australian Squad (2021, Season 7).