SANDRINGHAM Dragons midfielder Cameron Mackenzie is our NAB League Player of the Week for Round 10. The top-ager was on of four Dragons to dominate in his side’s 40-point win over Western on Sunday, amassing 35 disposals, seven marks, six tackles, five inside 50s, four rebound 50s, and a goal.

A member of St Kilda’s Next Generation Academy (NGA), Mackenzie may not end up in red, white and black given the new bidding rules. His exploits across a handful of NAB League outings, and a prolific APS Football campaign suggest he will land within the top 40 selections – though there is a long way to go until draft night.

The 187cm on-baller has improved his disposal tally in each NAB League appearance this season, but his 10-touch jump in Round 10 is by far the biggest stride so far. Now, his averages sit at 24.4 disposals, 3.8 marks, 3.6 tackles, and 4.0 inside 50s per game.

There are a few factors which Mackenzie showcased on Sunday to suggest he is a top talent. His ability to rack up possessions is undeniable, even while others like Will Ashcroft and Harry Sheezel combine for 84 touches of their own. He also has a great turn of speed out of stoppages and is a terrific kick going inside 50 on the fly.

Along with the aforementioned Dragons pair, Mackenzie is the third player from his region to earn a Player of the Week nod this season. He is the sixth from a Metro region, and the second in a row to do so with ties to an AFL club’s NGA. It is hardly a surprise, then, that he is rising up our Power Rankings board.

Now with two big wins under their belt, the Dragons are next set to face top-of-the-table Gippsland Power in Morwell on Saturday. Mackenzie will be on representative duty though, as Vic Metro takes on the Allies in Blacktown on the same day.

2022 ROOKIE ME CENTRAL NAB LEAGUE BOYS PLAYER OF THE WEEK:

Round 1: Jai Culley (Dandenong Stingrays)
Round 2: Will Ashcroft (Sandringham Dragons)
Round 3: Elijah Tsatas (Oakleigh Chargers)
Round 4: Harry Sheezel (Sandringham Dragons)
Round 5: Seth Campbell (Tasmania Devils)
Round 7: Lewis Hayes (Eastern Ranges)
Round 8: Taj Campbell-Farrell (Dandenong Stingrays)
Round 9: Yuyu Ashwin (Oakleigh Chargers)
Round 10: CAMERON MACKENZIE (Sandringham Dragons)