WHEN it comes to the Suns, think defender, think line-breaking left foot kick and you think Trent McKenzie.
In his four seasons in the AFL, the 22-year-old has earned a reputation as one of the most penetrating kicks in the competition.
Watching the 'Cannon' launch drop punts beyond 60m – either in general play or for goal – has become an image synonymous with the Suns' early existence.
Yet McKenzie hasn't quite made the transition towards elite status like his fellow inaugural Suns David Swallow, Tom Lynch and Dion Prestia.
He has played 76 games to date – only Jarrod Harbrow (78) has played more in Gold Coast colours, with Gary Ablett tallying the same number as McKenzie.
Without wearing out the welcome mat, McKenzie says he has been quick to tap into Nick Malceski's knowledge bank since the former Sydney Swan signed as a free agent in the off-season.
"He's had a massive influence on me," McKenzie told AFL.com.au.
"We play pretty similar and he's had a lot of experience, which I'm trying to feed off as much as I can.
"I try to pick his brain without going overboard.
"We get along really well off the field, we go for coffees and things like that, so I try to get as much knowledge as I can."
McKenzie has completed arguably the best pre-season of his career, missing just two weeks with a tight hamstring.
And with Malceski coming on-board to join the likes of Kade Kolodjashnij and Harbrow in that half-back mix, spots are becoming tight.
McKenzie said he was fully aware of what needed to improve to take his game up a notch.
"Defensively I have to get a bit stronger in the contest, knowing when to attack and when to defend," he said.
"I need to help out the young defence with talk. My communication and leadership can get a lot better."
