Ahead of David Mackay’s 200th AFL game this Saturday, assistant coach Scott Camporeale has heaped praise on the 30-year-old.
After notching game No. 198 in Round 15, it has been a slightly longer wait for Mackay to reach his double century after a rib injury kept him on the sidelines for over a month.
Camporeale said there is no better player to have at your club – even if you have to settle for just one copy.
“If you had 45 David Mackay’s around your footy club, you’d be in really good shape,” Camporeale told reporters on Monday morning.
“He’s a great person, puts the club before himself, works bloody hard.
“Really important in terms that he’ll do anything for the team.
“You give him feedback and he works hard on what he needs to get better at.”
READ MORE: My Game Day: David Mackay
Playing more as a half-back than midfielder over the past year, Mackay will become the 16th Crow to reach 200 games.
Camporeale believes Mackay’s versatility has helped the Victorian forge a consistent AFL career, and even at
“I think the last 18 months he’s improved out of sight with the way he’s played,” he said.
“We shifted him to half-back due to Brodie [Smith] not being able to play and I think it’s a testament to his… sometimes those guys’ size and shape to play 200 games and the way the game is played these days is outstanding.
“Once again, quality person and we love him around the footy club and it’s a great effort.
“It’s no easy feat playing 200 games at the AFL level.”
