Essendon is saddened to advise that former Captain and Club Hall of Famer Don McKenzie passed away on Wednesday afternoon at the age of 87.

One of the most prominent leaders in the Bombers’ powerhouse sides of the 1960s, McKenzie was a fierce, athletic ruckman who embodied the toughness of one of the Club’s most successful eras. 

Across a 266-game career as a one-club player, McKenzie starred in the premiership triumphs of 1962 and 1965 – finishing as one of the best afield in the latter – and served as vice-captain in the narrow defeat of 1968.

McKenzie was a Crichton Medallist in 1966 and earned multiple internal accolades such as Most Consistent, Best Team Man and Most Courageous over the course of his 14 years in the colours. He was named Captain of Essendon for the 1969 season. 

A state representative for the Big V in 1967, he was also part of the second ever Australian outfit to take up the Gaelic game at Croke Park and Wembley Stadium against Irish sides in 1968.

Ahead of his time in both on-field athleticism and off-field standards, McKenzie was among a group of five star Dons who went on strike in 1970 demanding increased player payment and better conditions from the VFL.

Later returning to the Club to assist the Reserves side, McKenzie would go on to hold several key roles on the Bombers’ football committee and spent 15 years as Vice-President from 1981-’96.

McKenzie was named a Life Member in 1969, made the Champions of Essendon list as its 43^rd greatest player ever in 2002, and earned a Hall of Fame induction in 2013. 

“Don was a true giant of our Club and we’re saddened to hear of his passing,” Essendon President Andrew Welsh said. 

“He was one of footy’s quintessential hard men. To this day, the stories at our past player events always seem to revolve around Don’s colourful and brilliant on-field exploits, as well as his impact on that famed playing group of the ‘60s. 

“His stamp on the club extends well beyond his achievements as a player and we’ll always be thankful for his service over such a long period of time. 

“We’re thinking of Don’s family, friends and former teammates at this time.”

McKenzie is survived by his wife Jill and his children Sue, Peter and Jenny.