By Fereshteh Nazari
At just 20 years old, Mackenzie Eardley is already making waves in the AFLW after being drafted by the Hawks at the age of 18 from Dandenong Stingrays, where she was co-captaining the team. Her influence extends beyond the field; she has also dedicated her time to coaching boys under 16 at the Dandenong Stingrays.
Mackenzie’s journey showcases not only her talent as an athletic defender but also her commitment to supporting the next generation of athletes, proving that her impact on the sport goes far beyond her impressive on-field performances.
During her debut AFLW season, Mackenzie was able to pass the ball to her teammates about seven times per match, and participated in an additional nine matches in 2023, ultimately being placed eighth in the club’s best and fairest rankings. She said, “The support I had from family, friends, and coaches definitely helped push me to get to AFLW.”
Her passion for football started at a young age as she watched her brothers play, with their dad coaching from the sidelines. These moments inspired her love for the game and set her on the path to her own football career. “I was exposed to football really young and that kind of started my career”, she said.
At the age of 12, when her local league on the Mornington Peninsula introduced a girls’ team, Mackenzie was excited to finally have the opportunity to play. Previously, her mother had been hesitant to let her join the boys’ team, but now she could pursue her passion for football in a league of her own. “I had a really good team from when I was young, and that’s what kept me in it,” she said, recalling the strong bonds and support that motivated her to keep playing.
Mackenzie quickly made her mark on the Beleura Junior Football Club’s girls’ team, where her talent and determination stood out. Her impressive performances and unwavering determination caught the eye of selectors, leading her to selection in the Mornington Peninsula Football League interleague team. There, she enhanced her skills and gained valuable experience over several seasons. Her hard work didn’t go unnoticed. Very quickly she progressed, and she was picked up by the V/Line, Victoria’s premier under 15s championship competition for country boys and girls footballers, in the Dandenong region, marking a significant step forward in her football career and setting her on a path towards greater achievements.
At the age of 15 Mackenzie took her next step by joining the Dandenong Stingrays. After a few years of hard work, she earned a place in the Victorian Country team and went on to train at the National Academy in her draft year, where she developed her skills alongside some of the best young players in the country.
Mackenzie said that being picked for the Victorian Country team was one of her most memorable achievements, as it represented a significant shift in her career. Going into that year, she didn’t have many expectations for herself. “When I made that team as a bottom ager, I realized I needed to keep working hard because people were looking at me. From then on, I made sure I was working closely with my coach to improve my game,” she said.
Outside of her busy schedule, Mackenzie finds joy in coaching. In 2023, she returned to the Dandenong Stingrays, where she began coaching and developing girls under 16 and 18 years old.
My advice to young athletes is that it’s not always going to go according to plan or happen magically. If you keep working hard, you will reach your goals.
Earlier this year, she was excited to be named the head coach of the Dandenong Stingrays boys’ team. She trained them for six months, guiding them through pre-season before they played five games, gaining valuable experience along the way.
One of the biggest challenges Mackenzie faced early in her AFLW career was the need to dedicate herself fully to the sport. She realized that effective time management was crucial to balancing her commitments. “It’s really important to plan out your weeks and days and see what it actually looks like,” she explained. This approach has helped her navigate the demands of her career while still pursuing her passion for coaching.
Looking ahead, Mackenzie is determined to win a premiership and help her club grow. She envisions herself as a full-time coach, guiding younger players as they develop their skills and passion for the game. With each practice and match, she hopes to inspire them to reach their full potential.
“My advice to young athletes is that it’s not always going to go according to plan or happen magically. If you keep working hard, you will reach your goals. It’s not just about talent; it’s about the effort you’re willing to put in,” she said.