Since being squeezed out of the Saints’ side for Sam Fisher in Round 20, Daniel McKenzie has worked his way back into St Kilda’s best 22 and into some form at the tail end of the season.

The second-year wingman has played across half-back in the last fortnight, initially coming in as a last minute replacement for Jarryn Geary against Sydney, before performing the role again in Saturday’s nine-point win over Richmond at the MCG.

With speed off the mark and a precise left foot, McKenzie has emerged as another damaging option behind the ball and admits his confidence is growing with more exposure at the highest level.

“I’ve played most of the year on a wing, so coming down to the backline is a bit intimidating for the first few games but I’m feeling more and more comfortable down back and playing deep,” McKenzie told saints.com.au following Saturday’s win over Richmond.

“I think my confidence is pretty high and I think my skills are getting better as I play. I’ve been very happy with how I’m playing at the moment.”

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With a wealth of experience nestled in St Kilda’s defence, in the form of Sean Dempster, Leigh Montagna, Sam Gilbert and Geary, McKenzie has plenty of old hands to show him the way.

“They’ve got heaps of games under their belt; they’ve got so much to teach me. I just try and absorb as much as I can and just improve week by week,” McKenzie said.

After playing seven games in his debut season, the Caulfield Grammar product has beaten that this year, adding another eight to his tally, despite not playing a senior game in the first eight weeks of 2016.

McKenzie, 20, admits he is in much better condition than this time last year after battling a variety of ailments including glandular fever earlier in the year, as well as several setbacks in his first season.

“It’s a lot better than it was last year, I struggled quite a bit last year getting sick, having quite a few concussions and a couple of other injuries. This year, I think I’ve missed one game. So going really strong at the moment,” McKenzie said.

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