“I flew over from Adelaide yesterday afternoon, visited the club for a tour and then went straight to my new host family,” McKenzie told kangaroos.com.au after a full training day on Monday.
“It’s been an awesome first day so far and I feel like I’m starting to settle in. The boys have been really welcoming and make you feel a part of the club straight away.
“Getting out on the oval for training with all the players has definitely been the highlight so far.”
Taken by North Melbourne with its first round selection in last week's National Draft, McKenzie said it was an exciting and emotional time for him and his family after hearing his name read out.
“I was really shell shocked after the draft; I didn’t know what to think because it was all pretty overwhelming,” McKenzie recalled.
“It took until this morning when I got to training for everything to sink in.”
Watch Brad McKenzie interview on YouTube
McKenzie’s parents were extremely proud of their son’s achievements but were sad to see their youngest leave home.
“Mum and Dad were really pumped when I got drafted, so were my brother and sister.
“Leaving the airport Mum got a bit teary and was sad to see me leave, but they’re really excited for me and extremely supportive.”
Shortly after his name was called out, recently retired champion Brady Rawlings called McKenzie to welcome him and has already become a mentor.
“I’ll definitely learn a lot from Brady, especially since I play off half-back and he played in defence last year.
“As my mentor at the club I know he’ll be a huge help to me with my footy and beyond that.”
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